Head bolt questions
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,187
Likes: 1
From: Superior WI
Head bolt questions
I'm swapping heads on my '84 and I wonder...can I re-use the head bolts from my iron heads on the '113 heads I'm installing? Should I get some studs instead? And lastly Are the torque specs different for the aluminum heads?
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
If the old bolts are original, I would just get a new set of bolts for an 87 motor. While they can be re-used, they are still 26 years old.... 
Late 86 coupes and all 86 'verts came with aluminum heads and beginning in 87, all cars had aluminum heads. I would go with something like ARP head bolts.
As far as a stud kit, it would be next to impossible to R&R the heads with the motor in the car. Unless you are going to build a high HP motor with high compression, there is no real need for studs.
Use the bolt torque specs for the 113 heads.
Late 86 coupes and all 86 'verts came with aluminum heads and beginning in 87, all cars had aluminum heads. I would go with something like ARP head bolts.
As far as a stud kit, it would be next to impossible to R&R the heads with the motor in the car. Unless you are going to build a high HP motor with high compression, there is no real need for studs.
Use the bolt torque specs for the 113 heads.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
I don't recall if the head bolts on my early, iron head 86 Vette had washers or not, but I DO KNOW that aluminum heads require washers to prevent the heads of the bolts from eating into the aluminum and to better equalize the clamping force.
Jake
Jake
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
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From: Kempner Texas
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: San Marcos CA
If you can spend a few bucks, get new bolts and washers. Studs may be more difficult to seal in the water jacket and will add complication if you ever need to remove a head as installed in the car (you have to remove the studs or pull the motor to slide the heads off).
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,187
Likes: 1
From: Superior WI
