C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Head Bolts --Reusable or not

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 23, 2010 | 07:08 PM
  #21  
DarkBlue88's Avatar
DarkBlue88
Pro
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 721
Likes: 1
From: Charlotte NC, behind someone going 10 under the speed limit
Default

Originally Posted by Tom400CFI
I agree. Reading some of the posts in this thread, I also think some people don't understand the difference.

The stock bolts are not TTY. The "torque precedure" for tightening the bolts, does not a TTY bolt, make.
If the final pass isn't in degrees of rotation, , but in ft lbs, that SHOULD indicate they are not TTY.
Reply
Old Apr 23, 2010 | 10:25 PM
  #22  
MK 82's Avatar
MK 82
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,286
Likes: 6
From: Palm Beach
Default

Originally Posted by Tom400CFI
I agree. Reading some of the posts in this thread, I also think some people don't understand the difference.

The stock bolts are not TTY. The "torque precedure" for tightening the bolts, does not a TTY bolt, make.


See what I mean. Another one emphatically on the non TTY side. The Gold Std is measuring the stretch of a bolt. When that is not possible, you are left with straight torque or initial torque and final angle rotation.

I should have started a poll.
Reply
Old Apr 23, 2010 | 11:00 PM
  #23  
cv67's Avatar
cv67
Team Owner
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Default

I know these are TTY LT1 Fbody pressure plate bolts one time use




Dont know if appearance by itself determines tty have seen different images of necked down and non.
Reply
Old Apr 24, 2010 | 11:57 AM
  #24  
MK 82's Avatar
MK 82
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,286
Likes: 6
From: Palm Beach
Default

What other bolts on an LTX are allegedly TTY?

Flywheel?
Pressure Plate?
Rods?
Main Bearings?
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2010 | 08:10 AM
  #25  
mashinter's Avatar
mashinter
Drifting
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,936
Likes: 92
From: Rochester Hills Michigan
Default

Originally Posted by MK 82
The Gold Std is measuring the stretch of a bolt.
I'm guessing that the angle method is an attempt to attain a certain stretch in the bolt. The pitch of the fastener is known; calculate stretch based on that, you get an angular displacement. Since most of the torque you apply goes into friction at the head of the bolt, this is an attempt to reduce friction as a variable?
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2010 | 06:01 PM
  #26  
Tom400CFI's Avatar
Tom400CFI
Team Owner
Pro Mechanic
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 21,543
Likes: 3,216
From: Park City Utah
Default

That is correct.
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2010 | 07:52 PM
  #27  
MK 82's Avatar
MK 82
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,286
Likes: 6
From: Palm Beach
Default

Originally Posted by mashinter
I'm guessing that the angle method is an attempt to attain a certain stretch in the bolt. The pitch of the fastener is known; calculate stretch based on that, you get an angular displacement. Since most of the torque you apply goes into friction at the head of the bolt, this is an attempt to reduce friction as a variable?
Go to the head of the class.

Now- what other bolts are TTY?
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2010 | 09:03 PM
  #28  
kenv's Avatar
kenv
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 6,470
Likes: 2
From: levittown pa. usa Even a bad day with my `Vette, is better than a good day at work
St. Jude Donor '10
Default

Originally Posted by 96GS#007
They're TTY. Toss 'em and spend the $60 on ARP.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Apr 25, 2010 | 09:42 PM
  #29  
mike100's Avatar
mike100
Safety Car
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,344
Likes: 48
From: San Marcos CA
Default

Originally Posted by MK 82
Here are the bolts in question. They do neck down a bit about and inch below the head.

I think the only definitive way to know if they are TTY is to compare the length to a new one. TTY bolts are designed to stretch beyond the elastic range into the plastic range. That means they don't return to their original lengths when loosened.

Those look like every other small block head bolt that I've ever seen previous..notice no shaft diameter variation or larger/smaller rolled thread section. The neck step at the head is the same for pretty much all head bolts made in the last 40 years for the sbc as far as I have seen.

you could probably torque those to 65 lb/ft and they would pronbably be fine...but anyways..I usually bought ARB ones for anything that was higher than stock hp.
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2010 | 10:05 PM
  #30  
96GS#007's Avatar
96GS#007
Race Director
 
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 15,344
Likes: 4,009
From: Texas
Default

From the book..."How to Rebuild Small-Block Chevy LT1/LT4 Engines" "Step-by-Step Rebuild to Factory Specifications. Covers 1992-1997 GM Cars and Trucks" by Mike Mavrigian on page 21....

"Since the SB2 engines [ie Small Block 2nd Generation, which the LT1/4 are] use TTY (torque-to-yield/torque-angle) cylinder head bolts, these original bolts will not be reused during final assembly."

Hope this ends the debate. It's in the FSM as well, I just haven't had a chance to go digging thru it again.
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2010 | 10:34 PM
  #31  
MK 82's Avatar
MK 82
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,286
Likes: 6
From: Palm Beach
Default

Originally Posted by 96GS#007
From the book..."How to Rebuild Small-Block Chevy LT1/LT4 Engines" "Step-by-Step Rebuild to Factory Specifications. Covers 1992-1997 GM Cars and Trucks" by Mike Mavrigian on page 21....

"Since the SB2 engines [ie Small Block 2nd Generation, which the LT1/4 are] use TTY (torque-to-yield/torque-angle) cylinder head bolts, these original bolts will not be reused during final assembly."

Hope this ends the debate. It's in the FSM as well, I just haven't had a chance to go digging thru it again.
I read that too. It hardly ends the debate. It's another man's opinion. How much more or less weight do we give to it?

I still can't find it in the FSM.
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2010 | 10:35 PM
  #32  
MK 82's Avatar
MK 82
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,286
Likes: 6
From: Palm Beach
Default

Originally Posted by kenv
Based on what?
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2010 | 11:32 PM
  #33  
96GS#007's Avatar
96GS#007
Race Director
 
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 15,344
Likes: 4,009
From: Texas
Default

Originally Posted by MK 82
I read that too. It hardly ends the debate. It's another man's opinion. How much more or less weight do we give to it?

I still can't find it in the FSM.
Whatever.

I'm tired of this thread. Good luck with your search for knowledge
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2010 | 09:11 AM
  #34  
mashinter's Avatar
mashinter
Drifting
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,936
Likes: 92
From: Rochester Hills Michigan
Default

Originally Posted by MK 82
I still can't find it in the FSM.
It's not in the FSM for my '92 LT1. If the bolts are TTY, there should be warnings that the fasteners are to be discarded.

If you look at the '92 LT5 section, page 6A2B-31, you'll find a warning to use NEW main bearing bolts whenever they are removed for service. Same for con rod bolts.
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2010 | 10:51 AM
  #35  
MK 82's Avatar
MK 82
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,286
Likes: 6
From: Palm Beach
Default

Originally Posted by 96GS#007
Whatever.

I'm tired of this thread. Good luck with your search for knowledge
Come on Jim! That's all it is. A search for knowledge. Maybe someone can ask Gordon.
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2010 | 01:48 PM
  #36  
JAKE's Avatar
JAKE
Le Mans Master
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
Default

It boils down to what source you believe and have your confidence in.

When I compare one source with another I seem to regularly find disgreements.

Take for the example the specs shown in the HAYNES "CHEVROLET CAMARO PONTIAC FIREBIRD Automotive Repair Manual" #24017 where it lists on page 2D-4, LT1 CRANKSHAFT AND CONNECTING RODS as:

Connecting Rod Journal Diameter ; 2.0978 to 2.0998 inches
Bearing oil clearance .0008 to .0022 inch

Crankshaft Main Bearing Journal Diameter: 2.4988 to 2.4998 inches
Oil Bearing Clearance: .001 to .003 inches

Now when you check the 1996 Corvette Factor Service Manual and page 6-15:

Crankshaft (Main) Journal Diameter #1 thru #5 2.4485 to 2.4491 inches
Main Bearing Oil Clearance:
#1, #2, ## and #4: .0009 to .0020 inches
#5 .0010 to .0021 inches DIFFERING FROM HAYNES

Connecting Rod Journal Diameter 2.0978 to 2.0998 inches (which are the same in HAYNES BUT bearing clearance in the FSM is listed as .0013 to .0035 inches WHICH DIFFERS FROM HAYNES which listed .0008 to .0022 inches

I hang my belief on GM's specs. On which do you believe?

Jake
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2010 | 09:58 PM
  #37  
93 ragtop's Avatar
93 ragtop
Le Mans Master
25 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Liked
 
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 5,713
Likes: 105
From: Manassas VA
Default

I have a haynes manual (24041) It states that on 92-95 torque to 65ft lbs. On a 96 it says 22 ft lbs, then an additional 67 degrees on short bolts and 80 degrees on med, and long bolts.
I do not know for sure if the 96 is a TTY or not, but knowing it is the same motor, I would suspect it. I cant imagine using a different torque sequence on the 96 unless it was TTY bolts.
FWIW I reused the bolts on mine when I switched heads several years back. Never had any problems with the head bolts, gaskets etc.
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2010 | 10:34 PM
  #38  
black85's Avatar
black85
Pro
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 520
Likes: 6
From: Elverson PA
Default

I've done many Volvo and a couple Porsche turbo heads with torque to angle specs. Those manuals state to measure the bolts to ensure they are still within spec. They do stretch, and that is ok within spec. I have always been able to reuse the bolts or find other used bolts within spec. I'm very surprised that GM doesn't publish such a spec.
Reply
Old Apr 27, 2010 | 11:46 AM
  #39  
MK 82's Avatar
MK 82
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,286
Likes: 6
From: Palm Beach
Default

Originally Posted by black85
I've done many Volvo and a couple Porsche turbo heads with torque to angle specs. Those manuals state to measure the bolts to ensure they are still within spec. They do stretch, and that is ok within spec. I have always been able to reuse the bolts or find other used bolts within spec. I'm very surprised that GM doesn't publish such a spec.
All bolts stretch. TTY bolts do not return to their original lengths. I can find nothing in the 96 FSM that indicates that any bolts anywhere on the car are TTY and therefore not reuseable.

I started this thread as a search for info. You will find this debate all over the net. It is a debate but folks let their emotions get away from them. Nowhere have I found concrete proof that the head bolts are TTY. I plan to put new bolts in mine to be safe.

I suggest that anyone interested in this issue spend some time on ARP's site learning what is involved in trying to properly tighten a bolt. I learned a lot.

Here is the catalog. Start on page 27.

Eddie
Reply




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:16 PM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE