9550

Hi all
i discovered in general tech that apparently when using arp cylinder head bolts that the torque specs are different than what one would find in a shop manual.
i asked there what the proper spec would be, but as that is the general area and this is specific to my 95gt, i figure this is the better spot to ask. so, haynes manual says 25-35lb for step 1, 45-55 for step 2, and step 30 is a quarter turn more.
can anybody tell me what i should be doing with these arp bolts?
thanks

9550

after some research, im finding conflicting torque specs
yikes
85lb, 100lb, etc? wtf

also, should i be using new dowels regardless every time or is that just a judgement call?

lastly, is there any reason to loosen the bolts between steps? im seeing some stuff that people are tightening/loosening the bolts several times to get the desired results

thanks

bluebeastsrt

I torqued to 75 in three steps. I've never heard of loosing between each step up, sounds wrong to me. The whole idea is to apply pressure in several steps. Always increasing the clamping force each time you step of to the next torque setting.

9550

thanks
i have no idea how i am going to get to 75lbs

bluebeastsrt

You don't own a torque wrench with that setting? If you don't own a torque wrench most auto parts stores will loan you one for free You just leave a deposit or credit card number incase you don't return it.

9550

i have a torque wrench
i torqued them to 55lb, and then i tried to go another quarter turn(per the manual), but i could only go like 20 degrees or so (instead of 90 degrees). if that 20 degrees put me near 75, then i can make it i guess, but if that 20 degrees got me to only like 60lb, i dont see how i can get to 75 (i used a regular ratchet for the last 20 degrees, so i dont know the torque)

9550

ok so i just ran outside and tried it. got it to 75lb. must have softened a bit overnight, or i had my skirt on yesterday.

do the head bolts need to get retightened after i run the car the first time?

bluebeastsrt

A lot of people recommend hitting them again after a few heat cycles. I didn't and when I removed the heads a year later they were still extremely tight. But to answer your question it couldn't hurt so hit em after a few heat cycles.

mjr46

hope you used the arp lube on all the threads and teflon sealant on the lowers...if not, it's not correct and the lowers will leak

9550

i didnt know about any special arp lube until afterward, but i did use some oil on the threads and washers for the uppers and some type of thread sealant on the lowers. sound sufficient or am i still in trouble?