[Phil]

Can I re-use head bolts?
Mild 10:1 466.
Ive had the heads off twice now.

 

[Bret Powell]

Yes the big 9/16 head bolts would probably outlast the threads in the block if the truth be told.

Bret

 

[Guest]

Headbolts

From my experiences I would have to say no. I have had blown head gaskets due to stretched head bolts with SBF's & my 557. For no more money than a set of ARP head bolts cost, it just makes sense to switch. If you can use studs then that is definitely the way to go. I haven't had a problem since. Just my opinion from learning the hard way. Good luck.

 

[Falcon67]

Call me anal, but I toss all the OEM bolts. I use ARP, and I prefer studs to bolts. And on about my 5th reuse of an ARP bolt, I think about tossing them. Sure - if you use studs you might have a problem pulling a head with the motor in the car. However, the way I look at it is if the thing is so screwed up that I feel the need to pull a head, I'll just yank the motor.

 

[Phil]

When in doubt, do the painful thing is usually the answer

I wiped my cam so I am trying to save money where I can in round 2.
Cheap insurance is $40. An additional cost is anything over that.
Anyway, its still cheaper than round 3 with this thing.

 

[ProF100]

I'm with Bret, re-use them if they look good....

If they are pitted by rust or damaged, I would replace them. If they look new and have been kept well oiled, I would use them. I never bought any new bolts or studs on my 466 with 14:1. Just 145 ft-lb in several steps in the correct sequence. I even re-used the Fel-Pro head gaskets over and over. On my 641", 16.5:1, Yes, I use studs, but I will re-use my head gaskets.

 

[Paul Kane]

Mild 466 with 10:1? Sure, you can reuse your old headbolts. Ford 460's came from the factory with more compression than that.

I know plenty of people running their 466's/oem head bolts with more compression that your motor, and they run the engine at a sustained 5500 rpm all day long, and they have block cooling system pressures that exceed 25 psi, sometimes more. No problems.

Chances are that if you can't get the Grade 8 135 foot-pound clamping force oem headbolts to work in an NA application, the problem/culprit is more than likely elsewhere.

Paul

 

[Lem Evans]

10/1 was about the stock ratio in 1970 . Soooo , the stock bolts will work . I have use the stock units at 12.5/1 w/o issue .

 

[XEngr]

Impact gun

I've always wondered if using an impact wrench when removing the heads would twist up the bolts.

 

[Phil]

Ordered em, $158.39

I'm pissing cash, so hey why not?

My wiped cam repair total is up to $697 and I still need fluids, a timing cover and paint. Pricey learning curve.

I just wonderd at how many removal cycles bolt stretch/fatigue would be an issue?

 

[chilly]

I would personally re-use them. Head bolts, yes...main bolts, no.

I have a tendency to always err on the side of caution which gets very expensive if you look cumulatively.

 

[Ed Kinnard]

bolts

This is my third tare down (same bolts) i'm re-using mine! 14.5 comp, head gasket's look good. as long as the head add block are flat and the threads are good and clean. so you get the proper torque I see no problem. good luck. Ed. :wink:

 

[Greg_P]

What a joke

So, how much will a 9/16" grade 8 bolt stretch? At which point will it stretch beyond its yeild point?

Geez, those are the strongest head bolts I have ever seen, and I suspect that they will outlive any engine they are used on, within reason.

Don't torque 'em with moly, use 30 wt oil, and enjoy the 150.00 savings on needless upgraded headbolts.

Greg