BBC PS Bracket install?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,068
Likes: 1
From: Gig Harbor WA
BBC PS Bracket install?
Hi All.
Question of dread:
What is the bolt size for the lower BBC PS bracket, lower bolt to Driver's side of block?
If the answer is 3/8" course, I'm screwed.
Cause if it is 3/8 then it's stripped, and if not, it's probably stripped now anyway.
So assuming it is 3/8" couse and stripped, What do I do?
Helicoil?
and if so, how do I do it?
drill the block and insert the coil?
This sucks.
Thanks
Evan
Chevrolet
'74 Corvette Coupe, Yellow, 454, ST 10, 4" sidepipes
Question of dread:
What is the bolt size for the lower BBC PS bracket, lower bolt to Driver's side of block?
If the answer is 3/8" course, I'm screwed.
Cause if it is 3/8 then it's stripped, and if not, it's probably stripped now anyway.
So assuming it is 3/8" couse and stripped, What do I do?
Helicoil?
and if so, how do I do it?
drill the block and insert the coil?
This sucks.
Thanks
Evan
Chevrolet
'74 Corvette Coupe, Yellow, 454, ST 10, 4" sidepipes
Pro
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 667
Likes: 3
From: College Station TX
Re: BBC PS Bracket install? (Evan Ginsberg)
I do not remember the size of that bolt, but I doubt you've completely stripped the threads. It is a cast iron block / threads and your bolt, if original, should be much softer and should strip first.
Anyway - before you go drilling holes in your block, try chasing whatever threads you have left with the correct size bottoming tap. Then measure the depth of the hole and judge the quality of the threads. If you have any good threads, I'd use a "just long enough" bolt and a good - high temp - threadlocker before I'd drill the block for a helicoil. Your PS pump is only gonna put a shearing force on the bolt, so it doesn't have to be the strongest of threads.
Anyway - before you go drilling holes in your block, try chasing whatever threads you have left with the correct size bottoming tap. Then measure the depth of the hole and judge the quality of the threads. If you have any good threads, I'd use a "just long enough" bolt and a good - high temp - threadlocker before I'd drill the block for a helicoil. Your PS pump is only gonna put a shearing force on the bolt, so it doesn't have to be the strongest of threads.
