TPI Bolts, keep 'em or replace 'em?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,525
Likes: 1
From: Sarasota, FL
TPI Bolts, keep 'em or replace 'em?
I have an Accel Intake base and some AS&M runners I am going to light port and polish to install with my already ported and polished plenum. I hear lots of nightmare stories of how much of a PITA the stock Torx bolts are to remove. They were easy to remove from the plenum, but I suspect the lower ones will be much tougher due to more heat cycling. I have started a regular regimen of penetrating lube. I have seen stainless TPI bolt kits on Ebay, and heard people here talk about buying grade 5 or 8 replacement bolts. I am inclined to go with the stainless hex head bolts, but stainless is soft enough that I am worried about it stripping, but then I think it is only going into aluminum. I also think that once I get the original ones out, if I reinstall them with antiseize they will not be a problem again (but some need sealant, right?). I may do a cam swap in the distant future, and if I do I will port and polish the stock 113 heads. I also have a set of long tube headers and a Precision Industries Vigilante 2400 which I will install this winter. How about some bolt suggestions for this project? Stock, stainless, or something else?
Thanks,
Bob
Thanks,
Bob
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 14,130
Likes: 7
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: TPI Bolts, keep 'em or replace 'em? (BobMachus)
Bob,
I have the SS button head bolts for the complete TPI.They are fine to use with the factory runners,plenums and etc.But do not use them for the intake manifold.They WILL STRIP out.I was barely at 30 ft lbs when 2 of them started to round out at the hex point.Yes SS is softer.With the upper TPI parts,they dont need to be as tight and I didnt have problems using that there.Antiseize works fine with these bolts.When I ever need to redo the intake manifold again,Ill use the 6 or 12 point traditional sbc intake bolts there that are a grade 8 or higher.
If anything,the SS hex bolts on the runners/plenum,TB and etc look alot nicer than the factory torx.FWIW.
:)
I have the SS button head bolts for the complete TPI.They are fine to use with the factory runners,plenums and etc.But do not use them for the intake manifold.They WILL STRIP out.I was barely at 30 ft lbs when 2 of them started to round out at the hex point.Yes SS is softer.With the upper TPI parts,they dont need to be as tight and I didnt have problems using that there.Antiseize works fine with these bolts.When I ever need to redo the intake manifold again,Ill use the 6 or 12 point traditional sbc intake bolts there that are a grade 8 or higher.
If anything,the SS hex bolts on the runners/plenum,TB and etc look alot nicer than the factory torx.FWIW.
:)
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,525
Likes: 1
From: Sarasota, FL
Re: TPI Bolts, keep 'em or replace 'em? (Bill's86Coupe)
I agree they look alot better, that is my primary motivation for replacing them. So you were stripping out the socket where the allen wrench goes, not the threads? Hmmm, perhaps ordering the stainless bolts kit and just re-using the stock torx manifold to head bolts.
Bob
Bob
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 14,130
Likes: 7
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: TPI Bolts, keep 'em or replace 'em? (BobMachus)
Yeah,
Basically,the hex way for the bolt strips.The bolt threads themselves seem pretty strong so far.And I believe the factory torx bolts are a bunch stronger and a good idea to reuse over the SS intake pieces.
:cheers:
Basically,the hex way for the bolt strips.The bolt threads themselves seem pretty strong so far.And I believe the factory torx bolts are a bunch stronger and a good idea to reuse over the SS intake pieces.
:cheers:
