drrobotnik

What size bolts do i need to bolt up a 350 to my engine stand. i was told 3/8" grade 8 but i want to make sure they fit and its not going to fall and break my feet.

Chevy406

iTrader: (12)

The 3/8"-16 thread is correct to bolt up to the block and the Grade 8 isn't a bad idea, but I can't say that I have ever used Grade 8 bolts. Haven't dropped any blocks... yet. The bolt length will depend on your engine stand. Go measure the length of the spacers on the stand (where it bolts to the block) then Add another 1" of length for threading into the block. Also pick up some 3/8" washers to place between the bolt heads and the stand.

drrobotnik

ok cool thanks. i can just pick these up at HD or lowes right?

Chevy406

iTrader: (12)

Yeah - any hardware or home improvement store should have 3/8-16 bolts and washers. Or you could hit up Fastenal or other bolt-house supplier. Since I am home now, I measured the bolts I use for my engine stand at 3½" long.

JUICED96Z

iTrader: (2)

I would not cheap out on the grade of bolt, at least an 8.

drrobotnik

sweet, thanks

Chevy406

iTrader: (12)

Grade 8 bolts don't cost much more than grade 5, so it isn't a bad idea. But consider this - how many bolts do you use to pull an engine out of a car. Many times I have use a chain bolted to opposite front/rear corners of the intake manifold. That was just 2 bolts holding the fully dressed engine (and sometimes transmission too).

Grade 5 (most commonly stocked bolts) have a minimum yield strength of 92,000 psi (up to 1" diameter). Grade 8 minimum yield strength is 130,000 psi. Do you need the extra 30% strength for just a couple dollars more? I'll let you decide.

mrdragster1970

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Time X weight X stress X stretch = crash

My 2 cents, when pulling engine up, you pull with the strength of the bolt. So you only need 2 for the time on the hoist.
Now it's on the stand, you are pulling against the threads, doing work, leaning on it, turning ect.
The cost of an engine verse the cost of bolts that you will keep forever for ~$5-10. You decide. Good luck everyone.

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drrobotnik

The engine is already out and is laying on my garage floor right now. I ordered a pack zinc plated grade 8 bolts from McMaster-Carr and they were only 8.83 for a pack of 10. thats not that bad. Lowes has them for 71 cents a piece so im not going to complain.

jim11

nice!