1988 c4 - head bolt question -
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 189
Likes: 0
From: DFW texas
1988 c4 - head bolt question -
ok sorry if i sound dumb - but im a first time vette owner -
im having my l98 redone for my son and had this question -
heads are afr 180's - they are already installed on the block with felt pro 1003 head gaskets -
the head bolts used are from felt pro -
now i noticed when i was going through left over bolts that the bolts that were on the old aluminum heads had a washer on all of them -
however then new head bolts installed on my new heads have no washers -
now iv heard different stories from the parts people -
these head bolts from felt pro are not like the old bolts with washers
these new bolts have a large diameter base almost looks like the bolt has a washer built into in a sense -
now i looked at the directions from afr and they recomment using washers with headbolts -
now should i back these bolts back off these new heads to install washer or do these new felt pro head bolts that have the larger diameter base take place of needing a washer ?
thanks all for your pro advice
im having my l98 redone for my son and had this question -
heads are afr 180's - they are already installed on the block with felt pro 1003 head gaskets -
the head bolts used are from felt pro -
now i noticed when i was going through left over bolts that the bolts that were on the old aluminum heads had a washer on all of them -
however then new head bolts installed on my new heads have no washers -
now iv heard different stories from the parts people -
these head bolts from felt pro are not like the old bolts with washers
these new bolts have a large diameter base almost looks like the bolt has a washer built into in a sense -
now i looked at the directions from afr and they recomment using washers with headbolts -
now should i back these bolts back off these new heads to install washer or do these new felt pro head bolts that have the larger diameter base take place of needing a washer ?
thanks all for your pro advice
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,735
Likes: 413
From: WV
I would think your fine with what you have..As long as the bolts were installed properly using the proper procedure they shouldn't cause any problems..I just looked them up and they have the same specs as a stock head bolt and it looks like the only difference is the washer is fixed to the head of the bolt...You should be fine...
....WW
....WW
Last edited by WW7; Apr 15, 2012 at 09:25 AM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 189
Likes: 0
From: DFW texas
but
the heads are already torqued on , so if any galling happened i assume its already done -
i just didnt know if driving and as time goes by if theirs not washers there will it hurt the heads -
i know the felt pro bolts that were used do pretty much fill up that hole diameter where the head bolt goes-
the head bolts can still be removed cause their still exposed - but is it going to be worth taking these bolts back out and re torqing them just for the washers like my above post states
i just didnt know if driving and as time goes by if theirs not washers there will it hurt the heads -
i know the felt pro bolts that were used do pretty much fill up that hole diameter where the head bolt goes-
the head bolts can still be removed cause their still exposed - but is it going to be worth taking these bolts back out and re torqing them just for the washers like my above post states
Race Director
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 14,924
Likes: 9
From: Merritt Ils Fl
My thought exactly. Everything I have read about torquing heads stressed the importance of lubricated washers to both protect the head bolt seat and get the correct torque.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,082
Likes: 50
From: Palmdale CA
Did you lubricate the friction side (Hat) of the bolt, and the cylinder head spot facing, if so the bolts should torque smoothly without a problem. I used the same bolts myself and they worked just fine.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 189
Likes: 0
From: DFW texas
yes
head bolts were lubricated and torqued properly - the guy not having the washers installed worried me - so i was curious - this is my first time dealing with performance heads and since im not a mechanic and rely on someone im hoping does it correctly - everything worries me lol - but like i said this was my concern but most of you seem to think these bolts with a wider diameter will seem to be fine without the washers -
