Dragaholic

iTrader: (180)

Spent the last few days installing the new cam, goodies, and Katech rod bolts. They were the same length and from the feel of it, they were the same weight. I didnt verify though, as I dont have a scale. The only difference I did find which I hope doesnt cause any problems is that it was .024" thicker. I didnt stretch the bolts as I was told wasnt necessary from one of the guys at Katech, I did toque them down to 50 ft. lbs. though as instructed. I verified to see what the stock ones were torque down to by setting the torque wrench to 50 and removed them. It clicked and started getting loose. So I assume they were 50 ft. lbs. Everything went pretty smoothly, but I did have to lift the engine up. I didnt think I would have to since I had the BMR k-member, but I certainly did. I put the pan back on, put a few bolts in, jacked it up, slide the bolts back in the motor mounts and rested the it on the k-member mounts. That too wasnt enough, so I jacked it up slightly from the crank pulley. It was for a short period, hopefully it didnt cause any issues. I paid $146 shipped for the Katech rod bolts, I hope they were worth it. No resizing as Katech says there is no need to with their bolts. I hope to see 7k rpm shift points and no issues. I will keep everyone updated. Thanks.

matts22

iTrader: (2)

Sounds good, I hadn't heard whether this was really possible with the engine in the car like that.

BuckeyeROC

iTrader: (7)

Sounds good. Congrats.

It is possible to do it in car. I used an engine hoist to suspend my motor and dropped the k-member and oil pan to get at them.

Orange Peel

iTrader: (20)

Are these rod bolts supposed to be better than the ARP Pro Rod bolts? I still have the ARP's at home, just been too lazy to install them, along with the new timing chain, oil pump and fuel pump

Steve Burger

iTrader: (33)

Just installed mine too over the weekend. I did this at the same time as the K Member so it was easy. Also very easy to get at the bolt for the pickup tube with the pan off. I wish it was that easy on a cam swap.

Like stated above, the bolts are avery close if not identical match to the stockers. One at a time and torque to 50. I spunt the crank several times and rechecked the torque on each rotation.

Dragaholic

iTrader: (180)

Yes, it is very possible to do in the car. If you plan on doing a k-member, this would be a good time to upgrade the rod bolts. If you already have a tubular k-member, then it will easier than if you were working with a stocker. My entire suspension stayed in place. Just had to lift the engine up a bit.

I couldnt tell you if they are better than the ARPs, but I went with the Katechs because they are the same length and weight as the stockers and I would have less chance of having any distortion.

I too did them one at a time with a torque setting of 50, then spun it over several times and double checked all the bolts. I didnt have a problem getting the nut off for the pickup tube towards the back, gotta love those gear wrenches.