The Sad

iTrader: (8)

I just finished installing my new heads with ARP bolts. My question is, do I need to heat cycle the car a few times then tear it down and retorque the head bolts, or will it be fine with out?


TIA, Aaron

Viper

iTrader: (6)

They claim you should, I did not do it on my new heads and ARP bolts. 6K on the motor now, running fine. For peace of mind it's a good idea.

JPH

iTrader: (2)

it's best to do this, but very few actually do it. only if the engine were on a engine dyno, where it would be a piece of cake. i always let them sit 24hrs, then go back and check the trq. on all of them again.

The Sad

iTrader: (8)

FYI - I heat cycled and tore one valve cover off. I tried to retorque those, but 4 were at torque, and one barely moved. I assumed the rest were OK.

brad8266

iTrader: (23)

I have studs and didnt bother retorquing after a heat cycle. I did however check the torque a few times when the engine was sitting on the stand over the span of a few days.

What I would do is torque them like 5 ft-lbs over, that way if they lose a little torque after heat cycle they will still be within tolerance. A little extra clamping force wont hurt anything anyway.

DAVESS02

iTrader: (30)

I didnt re-torque with felpro 1041's and I wound up blowing gaskets. After installing ICE Titan gaskets the THIRD time, blew the second set too, I re-torqued twice. Both retorques moved the nuts about 1/8 of a turn tighter on ARP 12 point studs and nuts. I'd never skip a retorque no matter what again.

brad8266

iTrader: (23)

Like i said over torque them some on initial install and when they lose a little torque you wiull still be OK.

RAACCR

I retorqued mine (with Cometics). No problems, but better safe than sorry.

motorbuilt

iTrader: (17)

When you retorque, dont just torque them. You need to loosen the nut then retorque one at a time.

motorbuilt

iTrader: (17)

Run factory MLS gaskets and you'd be better off.

DAVESS02

iTrader: (30)

Factory gaskets dont give the desired quench I wanted and the Titan ICS gaskets have far better sealing capability than the GM gaskets IMO.