Engine Bolt Kits??
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 398
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Engine Bolt Kits??
After breaking and drilling out yet another bolt, this time on the water pump, I have had it! Looking thru E-Bay I find engine bolt kits. Stainless or Grade 8 or Allen Head or just standard bolt kits. Which is the best for replacement on a relatively stock 350? Is there a difference between cut threads and rolled threads on a bolt? Guidance and opinions appreciated.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,424
Likes: 1,458
From: Little Rock AR
I thought the kit looked like a good idea untill it showed up. A few broke off on installation. Some were not the right length. Stainless bolts can be problematic to install and remove later so I do not use them.
Re-use the GM hardware. It is better quality even in used condition than any cheapo bolt kit on ebay. ARP or GM is the only way to go in my opinion.
-Mark.
Re-use the GM hardware. It is better quality even in used condition than any cheapo bolt kit on ebay. ARP or GM is the only way to go in my opinion.
-Mark.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 3
From: Wildwood IL
ARP 6point stainless engine kit, and ARP head bolts for me. No problems, no RUST!!! When threads are cleaned up, anti-siez used in proper applications, and bolts installed properly...stainless presents no problems. A good stainless is comparable in stress to a grade 5 steel.
Eddie
Eddie
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,783
Likes: 2
From: Engineers do it better.
Originally Posted by stingr69
Re-use the GM hardware. It is better quality even in used condition than any cheapo bolt kit on ebay. ARP or GM is the only way to go in my opinion.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,424
Likes: 1,458
From: Little Rock AR
Originally Posted by desi
Re-use 30 yr old bolts? Are you sure?
Just my experience for what it's worth.
-Mark.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,727
Likes: 38
From: Fremont CA
I think the "re-use" answer depends on the area of the world you live in, it is OK for me in sunny California but, if I lived in "rust-belt" I WOULD NOT! I take my bolts apart, media tumble them and take them to the platers for Zinc type I or II plating. ARP is the best and I would beware of low grade "soft" generic stainless replacement bolts for my Vette (also most hardware store and fastener company stuff is not as good as OEM spec bolts from G.M.)