ARP Head bolts on stock 340 heads

[340challconv]

Could use some feedback for my own A66 vert. Rebuilt the 340 engine and installed the Edelbrock heads designed for the high compression, above deck pistons along with an LD 340. Ran great with this combo; decided to go back to stock with the original cast iron 2.02 heads and stock intake. I have the original head bolts but bought a set of ARP head bolts 144-3602 designed for A block installation (non aluminum heads) The new bolts are slightly shorter then the stock bolts and also come with washers. Original head bolts do not use washers! QUESTIONS; Should I use the ARP bolts with or without the washers? If I do, they would be even shorter then stock. The ARP bolts already have a large flat area below the head. Has any one used ARP bolts as replacements on their 340? Thanks for anyone's thoughts! Phil

 

[340challconv]

Pic w/o the washer

 

[DartDave73]

Don't throw out the old bolts, please. There's people like me that reuse those old bolts over and over.

 

[doug 371]

I think the edelbrocks use 1 longer bolt per side?

 

[MOPAROFFICIAL]

Skip the washers.

They aren't necessary on iron heads, though you could use them.. there will be less thread engagement .
They protect the softer aluminum heads that the harder moly bolt would normally dig in.

 

[340challconv]

I think the edelbrocks use 1 longer bolt per side?

Doug, thanks for your thoughts, I had aluminum heads on the engine; you are correct the bolts are different

 

[340challconv]

Skip the washers.

They aren't necessary on iron heads, though yoy could use them.. there will be less thread engagement .
They protect the softer aluminum heads that the harder moly bolt would normally dig in.

Thanks for your thoughts; it makes sense not to use the washers which would shorten the thread engagement

 

[340challconv]

Skip the washers.

They aren't necessary on iron heads, though you could use them.. there will be less thread engagement .
They protect the softer aluminum heads that the harder moly bolt would normally dig in.

Thank you for your thoughts. Phil

 

[M_Body_Coupe]

I would use the ARP bolts exactly as they are: with the washer, here is why.

The primary function of that washer is to give the head-bolt (underhead actually) smooth surface against which it is going to turn. Per ARP, you normally would apply their torque lube on the threads & under the head. Once you are torquing these things down the minimized friction between the head bolt and the washer facilitate a more precise torque application to the bolt threads themselves.

When using aluminum heads the washer will play an additional role of course, that is to establish a firm base for the bolt head.

I used these ARP bolts multiple times with my iron head based builds, always turned out as expected and had no issues with doing so.

 

[340challconv]

I would use the ARP bolts exactly as they are: with the washer, here is why.

The primary function of that washer is to give the head-bolt (underhead actually) smooth surface against which it is going to turn. Per ARP, you normally would apply their torque lube on the threads & under the head. Once you are torquing these things down the minimized friction between the head bolt and the washer facilitate a more precise torque application to the bolt threads themselves.

When using aluminum heads the washer will play an additional role of course, that is to establish a firm base for the bolt head.

I used these ARP bolts multiple times with my iron head based builds, always turned out as expected and had no issues with doing so.

Thank you. Phil