ENGINE BUILDER SAYS i BETTER DO THIS!!

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RIXX93GT

Founding Member

Oct 10, 2002

166

0

0

Dayton, Ohio

Jan 19, 2004

#1

• Jan 19, 2004

• #1

Okay I was talking to my engine builder and he advises me to go to 1/2" head bolts on my block for my 347 build up. It is going to be a 10.25:1 compression NA moter with AFR185's and full forged rotating assembly with an FTI custom cam. What is everyones opinion on if this is really necessary or is it just good and wise insurance?

 

Michael Yount

Mustang Master

Apr 10, 2002

9,039

6

79

Charlotte, NC

Jan 19, 2004

#2

• Jan 19, 2004

• #2

Depends on your definition of "necessary". Can the engine be assembled and run with the smaller head bolts? Yes - so it's not "necessary". Does it make sense to upgrade to the larger size - I think so.

 

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mike93lx

Member

May 22, 2003

391

0

16

Hudson, MA

Jan 19, 2004

#3

• Jan 19, 2004

• #3

doesn't seem like a cheap build up, so why take the chance? the cost will be minimal compared to buying new smaller bolts.

 

S

Sofgwhat

New Member

Oct 25, 2002

11

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1

Jan 19, 2004

#4

• Jan 19, 2004

• #4

How much is this going to cost you?

 

onefaststang

Kingpin

Founding Member

Jan 1, 1999

9,049

4

79

Elmira NY

Jan 19, 2004

#5

• Jan 19, 2004

• #5

In order tp put the larger bolts in you must drill and tap. The factory 302 production blocks don't have enough meat around the head bolts to do this. You will actually weaken the block.

Not recomended.

7/16th studs are plenty strong for whatever you can throw at them.

 

matty50racer

Founding Member

Nov 8, 2002

242

0

16

Pennsylvania

Jan 19, 2004

#6

• Jan 19, 2004

• #6

I say stay with 7/16 studs. I am using them on my 500 horse 11.5:1 331 and wouldn't use anything else.

 

runningmole

Founding Member

Jun 24, 2002

1,127

0

36

San Diego, CA

Jan 20, 2004

#7

• Jan 20, 2004

• #7

You'll need 1/2" spacers or whatever they're called for those AFR185s. They're drilled for 1/2, not 7/16 like the 165s

 

TIMMY2734

Founding Member

May 17, 2002

1,330

1

36

Queens, NY

Jan 20, 2004

#8

• Jan 20, 2004

• #8

Im with the crowd on this one. The 7/16" studs will be plenty strong for your build up.

 

T

TheUser

Active Member

Jul 25, 2003

1,859

1

36

Springfield, MO

Jan 20, 2004

#9

• Jan 20, 2004

• #9

i don't know the technical things, but I know the arp studs are supposed to be real strong. That's what I put on my mine...$100, but I think it was worth it.

 

EMW150

Founding Member

May 22, 2000

2,020

1

46

Roaring Spring,PA

Jan 20, 2004

#10

• Jan 20, 2004

• #10

onefaststang said:

In order tp put the larger bolts in you must drill and tap. The factory 302 production blocks don't have enough meat around the head bolts to do this. You will actually weaken the block.

Not recomended.

7/16th studs are plenty strong for whatever you can throw at them.

Click to expand...

I agree 100 percent.

 

Rick 91GT

Mustang Master

Nov 29, 1999

9,692

95

99

PA

Jan 20, 2004

#11

• Jan 20, 2004

• #11

onefaststang said:

In order tp put the larger bolts in you must drill and tap. The factory 302 production blocks don't have enough meat around the head bolts to do this. You will actually weaken the block.

Not recomended.

7/16th studs are plenty strong for whatever you can throw at them.

Click to expand...

Exactly....just use the 7/16" ARP studs and 1/2"-> 7/16" stepped washers. If you need a set of washers let me know, I have a brand new set of ARP's I didn't need for a motor, I'll let them go for a good price.

 

Michael Yount

Mustang Master

Apr 10, 2002

9,039

6

79

Charlotte, NC

Jan 20, 2004

#12

• Jan 20, 2004

• #12

Thanks guys I'm learning something here too - do the 351 blocks use the 7/16" bolts or the 1/2"? I've thought they used the larger bolts; if so, are those blocks cast differently/with extra meat in the areas around threaded holes? Is that part of what the extra deck height buys you?

 

Ranchero5.0

The Voice of Reason

Jan 1, 1999

5,306

0

76

Hagerstown MD

Jan 20, 2004

#13

• Jan 20, 2004

• #13

351's are much beefier and come with 1/2" threads. I'm running the 7/16 ARP's and stepped washers. Buddy's block cracked where the builder (professional) drilled and tapped it for 1/2" bolts. He was pissed when he tore it down and found that.

Jamie

 

perkys stang

New Member

Jan 1, 2000

7,132

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PA

Jan 20, 2004

#14

• Jan 20, 2004

• #14

yeah.. I would stick with the 7/16 for sure... The step washers work great

 

1

1BAD89GT

New Member

Jan 2, 2004

87

0

0

Oklahoma

Jan 20, 2004

#15

• Jan 20, 2004

• #15

Same here stay with the 7/16 im ruuning the ARP's read sig.

 

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MUSTHAVE302

Founding Member

Oct 18, 2002

96

1

0

Aberdeen, md

Jan 20, 2004

#16

• Jan 20, 2004

• #16

Small block chevy's only use 7/16", and plenty of guys run wild 400 inch combo's with high compression, and no problems. The difference is SBC's have 5 bolts per cylinder, while the SBF only has the 4. You still shouldn't have any problems. I agree with the problems of drilling out the 7/16 for 1/2 - not only could it be too weak, it isn't the easiest thing in the world to make sure those holes are drilled and tapped perfectly straight. All you need is to have a crookedly (if thats a word) tapped whole and the stud is angled 10 degrees. Then you wouldn't even be able to drop the head on . . .

 

Smokedawg

Founding Member

Jul 6, 2001

2,260

1

48

Jan 20, 2004

#17

• Jan 20, 2004

• #17

I am running the 7/16 with arps on mine and no probs..

 

R

RIXX93GT

Founding Member

Oct 10, 2002

166

0

0

Dayton, Ohio

Jan 21, 2004

#18

• Jan 21, 2004

• #18

Well I dropped off the moter tonight and he is still recommending the 1/2" head bolts. I know this guy well and he has a great rep. Does anyone think it is a good idea or should I just say no thanks. Its not that much more money to have it done.

 

Michael Yount

Mustang Master

Apr 10, 2002

9,039

6

79

Charlotte, NC

Jan 21, 2004

#19

• Jan 21, 2004

• #19

I would have a talk with him and tell him you've got reputable builders here telling you that the block doesn't have enough meat to be drilling the holes larger and see how he responds.

 

onefaststang

Kingpin

Founding Member

Jan 1, 1999

9,049

4

79

Elmira NY

Jan 21, 2004

#20

• Jan 21, 2004

• #20

Michael Yount said:

I would have a talk with him and tell him you've got reputable builders here telling you that the block doesn't have enough meat to be drilling the holes larger and see how he responds.

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