ARP balancer bolt bits steering rack
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 254
Likes: 6
From: Houston Texas
ARP balancer bolt bits steering rack
Has anyone ever had an issue with the balancer bolt hitting the steering rack?
My setup is:
LQ4, Innovator West 8 rib balancer and LS7 bolt.
It seems that the balancer is seated. I mounted the AC compressor and the pullies lined up by eye (didn't have a laser gauge) and the belt fit okay.
Thoughts?
My setup is:
LQ4, Innovator West 8 rib balancer and LS7 bolt.
It seems that the balancer is seated. I mounted the AC compressor and the pullies lined up by eye (didn't have a laser gauge) and the belt fit okay.
Thoughts?
Last edited by StuntHeavy; May 13, 2016 at 10:07 AM.
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2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
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I believe the ls7 bolt is something like 20mm or so longer, maybe that has something to do with the issue... I know innovators has their own special bolt/washer, I had a spare I would have given you but I let a friend have it not too long ago
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 254
Likes: 6
From: Houston Texas
You're right the ls7 bolt is longer, but it's under head length is 132mm. IW specs 140mm. Strange stuff.
I mic'd out the head length and it is the same as the ls1 arp bolt I accidentally bought.
I appreciate the thought neutron!
I mic'd out the head length and it is the same as the ls1 arp bolt I accidentally bought.
I appreciate the thought neutron!
Acct Suspended APR 2026 by request
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 10,367
Likes: 1,272
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
C5 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
the head on the innovators bolt is not near as wide as the arp bolt so that is probably the difference... I have a 10 rib innovators balancer on my car with their bolt and has plenty of clearance, enough for me to change belts without having to space the rack forward... I think getting an innovators bolt and selling or returning the arp bolts you bought would be the easiest solution... if you don't want to do that you could space the rack forward, personally I don't like that idea though
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 254
Likes: 6
From: Houston Texas
Is there anything special about the IW washer? Or is it just a standard 16mm flat washer? If I can't get someone to machine this bolt down today, I'll probably just source one locally as long as the IW bolt uses a standard washer
I've heard of people spacing the racks, but can't picture jt. Are they cutting tabs off of the cradle?
I've heard of people spacing the racks, but can't picture jt. Are they cutting tabs off of the cradle?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 254
Likes: 6
From: Houston Texas
All fixed!
Had someone take 5mm off the head of the ARP bolt. Tight fit, but can still change belts.What I would do to have a lathe of my own.
Man my steering rack needs a good scrubbin'
Attachment 47981498
Attachment 47981497
Attachment 47981503
Attachment 47981504
Had someone take 5mm off the head of the ARP bolt. Tight fit, but can still change belts.What I would do to have a lathe of my own.
Man my steering rack needs a good scrubbin'
Attachment 47981498
Attachment 47981497
Attachment 47981503
Attachment 47981504
Last edited by StuntHeavy; May 13, 2016 at 10:32 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 23,283
Likes: 906
From: Lake Elsinore, CA
You are not supposed to use the ARP bolt with the IW balancer - it comes with it's own low-brofile bolt and washer. I have that same balancer and used the correct bolt with no issues.
Here's the bolt and washer that came with mine. Also, a couple of shots installed.
Here's the bolt and washer that came with mine. Also, a couple of shots installed.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 254
Likes: 6
From: Houston Texas
That would have been the easier solution, you're right. After talking with IW, their bolt is nothing more than a standard 8.8, m16 X 2.0 X 140.
I was just being stubborn and really wanted to find a solution to using the ARP bolt. IW are the ones that even recommended using the LS7 style bolt based on length.
Taking 5mm off the head ended up being the solution.
I was just being stubborn and really wanted to find a solution to using the ARP bolt. IW are the ones that even recommended using the LS7 style bolt based on length.
Taking 5mm off the head ended up being the solution.
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Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 23,283
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From: Lake Elsinore, CA
I had an ARP bolt ready to use with mine as well before I found out it wasn't going to work. I already had an issue with clearance of the HB with the cross member due to using shorter motor mounts. You can see where I clearance the cross member for the HB in one of the pics above. I didn't want to complicate the issue anymore so I used the supplied bolt and washer.
Glad you got it sorted.
Glad you got it sorted.