SB Torque Sequence
Had a 1976 L-82, 4-sp
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 5,338
Likes: 1,209
From: Some days your the dog and some days your the hydrant.
Royal Canadian Navy
Don't have exact sequence committed to memory but start with the bolts at the centre of the head and work outwards alternating back and forth until all the outside bolts are initially torqued to 40 ft-lbs and then final torque to 65-70 ft-lbs. Others will chime in to correct me if I've erred.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 8,336
Likes: 2,809
From: Cool Northern Michigan
An actual drawing of sequence can be had by search on Google. Print that out and lay it on your fender. Cast iron heads are not as finicky as aluminum. The softer metal should be torqued in four if not five steps to avoid hairline cracking the head. The first tightening of the bolt is just "snug". Then take your total torque value and divide by the number of steps you plan the do.
Example:
Snug > 30 > 45 > 60 > 75 > 90. This will guarantee a leak free head gasket and no warping / cracking of the castings. Use a thread sealant on the bolts that is compatible with Glycol.
Some gasket manufacturers recommend a follow-up torqueing after several heat cycles. Of course the bottom row bolts will be challenging with the exhaust in the way.
Example:
Snug > 30 > 45 > 60 > 75 > 90. This will guarantee a leak free head gasket and no warping / cracking of the castings. Use a thread sealant on the bolts that is compatible with Glycol.
Some gasket manufacturers recommend a follow-up torqueing after several heat cycles. Of course the bottom row bolts will be challenging with the exhaust in the way.
Last edited by HeadsU.P.; Feb 14, 2019 at 07:34 PM.
Dr. Detroit
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10,090
Likes: 4,015
From: New Braunfels Texas
From 350's to 632 Big Chiefs, I was taught to start in the center and go in a CW or CCW "spiral" working your way outward in a two step pattern......45 ft/lbs. step1, 75 ft/lbs. step two.....for ARP bolts. Stock replacement subtract 10%. Use PTFE on the head bolt threads and moly lube under the shoulder/washer.
Jebby
Jebby
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 8,336
Likes: 2,809
From: Cool Northern Michigan
From 350's to 632 Big Chiefs, I was taught to start in the center and go in a CW or CCW "spiral" working your way outward in a two step pattern......45 ft/lbs. step1, 75 ft/lbs. step two.....for ARP bolts. Stock replacement subtract 10%. Use PTFE on the head bolt threads and moly lube under the shoulder/washer.
Jebby
Jebby
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,034
Likes: 9,157
From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
I count out loud so I dont forget which bolt I'm on incase my mind wanders. ...child of the late 60s 70s
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!
Joe Kucinski
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,672
Likes: 329
From: Scottsdale Arizona
Stimpy, you idyot
Dr. Detroit
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10,090
Likes: 4,015
From: New Braunfels Texas
Dr. Detroit
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10,090
Likes: 4,015
From: New Braunfels Texas
