ARP Head Bolts for Standard Bore Block

[72DMag]

Is it okay to use ARP head bolts on a standard bore 360 block or will that distort the bores? They are big valve iron J heads and I torqued them to the arp specs using their lube. I was told that since it is standard bore and hasn't been bored over with torque plates the arp bolts will distort the bores due to their higher clamping force.

Should I toss stock replacement bolts back on it?

 

[70aarcuda]

Use the ARP bolts......

 

[RustyRatRod]

Is this a trick question?

 

[72DMag]

I didn't think it was. The factory doesn't use torque plates or clamp the heads down as tight as arp bolts so in theory it would distort the bore more than stock. If you think about when you get a block bored they use the studs or bolts that you are going to use on your motor to mimic the actually torque and distortion. So by tossing in arp bolts into a standard bore motor on paper sounds like it could do more harm than stock replacement bolts properly torqued.

 

[pishta]

Dunno, they say to resize the rods when using ARP rod bolts....for the very same reason? The ARP head bolts dont use a different thread pitch, only a higher tensile strength bolt. The studs use a fine thread under the 12pt nut.

 

[RustyRatRod]

I didn't think it was. The factory doesn't use torque plates or clamp the heads down as tight as arp bolts so in theory it would distort the bore more than stock. If you think about when you get a block bored they use the studs or bolts that you are going to use on your motor to mimic the actually torque and distortion. So by tossing in arp bolts into a standard bore motor on paper sounds like it could do more harm than stock replacement bolts properly torqued.

Dude, it'll be fine. Run hell out of it.


...and about the resizing the rods comment, I've installed so many rod bolts and NOT resized them I've lost count and never had an issue. It's HOW you do it.

 

[Bewy]

Check the bolt length for bottoming out. I have used ARP head bolt sets on different brand engines & often found some that were too long.

 

[RustyRatRod]

Check the bolt length for bottoming out. I have used ARP head bolt sets on different brand engines & often found some that were too long.

Don;t they come with washers? Most sets I've used do. Even still, good advice.

 

[Bewy]

RRR, yes they do come with washers but still have had occasions where I have had to cut a bit of the bolts. Case in point, 440 that I am finishing off. TF heads, uses ARPs Victor head bolt kit; had to cut 4 or 5 bolts.

 

[furrystump]

At the level the motor is, no worries.