Reusing Rod Bolts??
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
I bought fully assembled AFR 195 competition heads and a new Howard's CAM with 237 int./237exh. @.050 with .560 lift. Valve control should not be an issue with this set-up.
Another reason I decided to pull the pistons was that this build will put me over 500hp, and I don't know the quality of the bolts that came with the original crate motor. So, figured I would replace with some known quality bolts. This has also been a challenge since I also don't know the mfg of the rods, and the bolts I'm finding on Summit Racing seem to be mfg specific. All I know is they were described as 'extreme-duty' and are H Beam.....
So you'd still say just reuse the original bolts given the above??
Another reason I decided to pull the pistons was that this build will put me over 500hp, and I don't know the quality of the bolts that came with the original crate motor. So, figured I would replace with some known quality bolts. This has also been a challenge since I also don't know the mfg of the rods, and the bolts I'm finding on Summit Racing seem to be mfg specific. All I know is they were described as 'extreme-duty' and are H Beam.....
So you'd still say just reuse the original bolts given the above??
Rod bolts are not a 1 use thing on Gen1s they can be reused a number of times. No need to spend more on stuff that doesnt need it
You can always take them in have a machinist double ck it to bring peace of mind. I wouldnt waste the money.
Ive reused old rod bolts long as they werent removed beat the p out of them never broke anything.
Dr. Detroit
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10,095
Likes: 4,024
From: New Braunfels Texas
Once again, great info Jim, thank you! Sounds like I just need to invest in some measuring tools and make sure to apply some simple rule of thumb, and go from there. Who doesn't love new tools. 
The bearings are standard King units. I was considering upgrading to the HP series, but with a 4x cost premium, I figured I'd ask for an opinion here...
The bearings are standard King units. I was considering upgrading to the HP series, but with a 4x cost premium, I figured I'd ask for an opinion here...
You are going to have to do a little research here....but I would say stick to what you have been running.
Jebby
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,426
Likes: 1,240
From: Sarver Pa
2021 C1 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Yes, there is a difference in material. Some King brgs are made with an aluminum backing. Clevites are made with a steel backing. I myself wouldn't loose any sleep over reusing those rod bolts with that few miles on.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 613
Likes: 11
From: EVANSVILLE Wisconsin
The difference is not the material but the back cut or the width on race bearings....the reason is the high end cranks have a large radius fillet on the outside of the journal....now Clevite used to backcut the race bearings...but somewhere along the way they NARROWED the Standard bearings.....
You are going to have to do a little research here....but I would say stick to what you have been running.
Jebby
You are going to have to do a little research here....but I would say stick to what you have been running.
Jebby
I'm going to invest in a dial bore gauge and a mic, and learn something new about building a motor. Appreciate everyone that chimed in with their input and experiences! Gotta run, I have a motor to build.
