Reusing stock main cap bolts?
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From: Readsboro, VT
Reusing stock main cap bolts? I've read on here and on other places that it's ok to reuse the main cap bolts a couple times. Is there a horsepower level above which you should just go to ARPs? I'm building a 402 stroker, expecting 475-500RWHP (plus a 150 shot down the road), and I'd wind up I reusing the stock main bolts during the machining, then again for the initial assembly to check bearing clearance, then for final assembly. I don't want to **** away another $200 for nothing, but I also don't want to make a big mistake for the sake of $200 either.
So... by the time this thing is ready to go into the car, my main bolts will have been torqued 3 times, plus of course their original torquing prior to my tearing the motor down. Safe, or buy new?
Then again, I suppose new GM bolts are a cost effective alternative to ARPs... and I could just use them for final assembly, using the originals for everything else. Opinions?
So... by the time this thing is ready to go into the car, my main bolts will have been torqued 3 times, plus of course their original torquing prior to my tearing the motor down. Safe, or buy new?
Then again, I suppose new GM bolts are a cost effective alternative to ARPs... and I could just use them for final assembly, using the originals for everything else. Opinions?
Stock main cap bolts would be fine. 500 RWHP isn't that much for the bottom end on one of these motors. Even what you'll make on the spray isn't pushing them too hard. Put a quality rod bolt in it and get after it. But it's like anything else, if you're there anyways and want the added insurance, a set of main studs isn't a bad way to go.
You'll need to swap the side saddle bolts with a set of new ones though (The small 10mm headed ones). They generally aren't re-usable. They are, but you'll at least need to put some sealant on the back side.
You'll need to swap the side saddle bolts with a set of new ones though (The small 10mm headed ones). They generally aren't re-usable. They are, but you'll at least need to put some sealant on the back side.
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I've read/been told that a little RTV on the side of those and I'm all set.
As for rod bolts... my new rotating assembly comes with ARPs.
Do you happen to know the GM part number(s) for the main cap studs & nuts? If they aren't too expensive, I'll grab a set for my final assembly.
As for rod bolts... my new rotating assembly comes with ARPs.
Do you happen to know the GM part number(s) for the main cap studs & nuts? If they aren't too expensive, I'll grab a set for my final assembly.
I've read/been told that a little RTV on the side of those and I'm all set.
That is true.
As for rod bolts... my new rotating assembly comes with ARPs.
Sounds good.
Do you happen to know the GM part number(s) for the main cap studs & nuts? If they aren't too expensive, I'll grab a set for my final assembly.
That is true.
As for rod bolts... my new rotating assembly comes with ARPs.
Sounds good.
Do you happen to know the GM part number(s) for the main cap studs & nuts? If they aren't too expensive, I'll grab a set for my final assembly.
Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
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From: Readsboro, VT
Guess I'll just check at the dealer next time I'm there.
