Rod bolt install ?

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Jan 18, 2009 | 01:40 PM

Smokinlt1

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From: Warner Robins Ga

Rod bolt install ?

Do the rods need to be resized when converting to ARP rod bolts? If so, why? I figured you could just tap out the stock bolts and pull the new bolts through. I've never done rod bolts before, just your budget refresh on older sbc. Thanks

Jan 18, 2009 | 01:52 PM

GIZMO

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From: Shelby, NC

Yes. If the rod cap is even slightly out of line you will damage your motor.

Jan 18, 2009 | 02:04 PM

Smokinlt1

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From: Warner Robins Ga

Guess I need to go look at the rods to get a better understanding of what your saying. My dunce cap is on hard and tight.

Jan 18, 2009 | 02:08 PM

shbox

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From: Little Rock, AR

The correct way is to have them resized. Getting the bolts in/out can cause some distortion. That being said, have there been people that swapped bolts and not had them checked? I am sure the answer it yes.

Jan 18, 2009 | 02:35 PM

the_merv

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From: The Beach...

I've never heard of Distortion, I've never had a problem with anything and I have taken Engines down.

Then again everytime I have removed Rob Bolts they were coming out, and new Bearings went in.

Jan 18, 2009 | 04:10 PM

shbox

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From: Little Rock, AR

Every rebuild guide or book I have ever seen says to resize the rods if the bolts are changed. It's just SOP for a righteous build.

Jan 18, 2009 | 05:10 PM

fergymoto

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From: Rock Hill, SC

Quote:

I've never heard of Distortion, I've never had a problem with anything and I have taken Engines down.

Torque the stock rod bolts and measure the big end of the connecting rod with a bore gauge, diagonally and vertically and write down your measurements. Now change the rod bolts to quality ARP bolts and torque to spec. Measure again the same way you did with the stock rod bolts. Now you will see the distortion in many cases.

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Jan 18, 2009 | 11:20 PM

fergymoto

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From: Rock Hill, SC

It's generally not worth the cost of putting ARP rod bolts in stock rods IMO. By the time you have them resized you have as much or more in them then a set of Eagle or Scat I beam rods with ARP cap screws cost.