How precise does the head bolt torque need to be?

[ChronoGN]

Well, I finally got to the part of putting the new heads on. And I got another question. I know you are supposed to torque down the bolts to 37 ft-lbs first. Then turn them 130degrees. This is where I'm having a problem. Some of the bolts dont want to turn 130 degrees. They will quit turning after 90 degrees. Like I broke my 9/16 Craftsman socket from trying to turn the bolt(Hopefully my backup autozone socket will do fine for the rest of the bolts). Am I ****ed with my head install? Should I just pull out the bolts out now and start over? Or should only 90 degrees be fine?

[UDLOSE98]

Re: How precise does the head bolt torque need to be?

make sure your torque wrench is up to spec, I think you can get it tested at like Sears. And precision IS a must, so I would have it checked out, I had no problem torqing down my studs, tho i dont remember the specs on them.

[ChronoGN]

Re: How precise does the head bolt torque need to be?

make sure your torque wrench is up to spec, I think you can get it tested at like Sears. And precision IS a must, so I would have it checked out, I had no problem torqing down my studs, tho i dont remember the specs on them.

So, this would probably be a good time to order the studs(ZZP is definitly making bank off me past couple weeks)? You think the head gasket is still salvageable? Also, I can't really drive to sears to get my wrench checked because I don't have a car. I'm just gonna trust the wrench.

[ChronoGN]

Re: How precise does the head bolt torque need to be?

Hmm.. This might be why this is happening.

With other thread lubricants, however, results may differ. Molybdenum-based assembly lubes, graphite, Teflon-based products and even beeswax can all be used to lubricate bolt threads and heads. But these lubricants typically reduce friction much more than ordinary motor oil, so using any of these products requires reducing the applied torque accordingly. Some experts recommend using 20 percent less torque when tightening a head bolt that has been lubed with molybdenum, graphite, Teflon or wax. Follow the lubricant or bolt manufacturer's recommendations (aftermarket head bolts and studs are usually supplied with a special lubricant).

I used ARP moly assembly lube on the head bolts. Maybe this is going to be fine overall.

[ChronoGN]

Re: How precise does the head bolt torque need to be?

Nah, **** it. I'm buying the ARP studs. I can't take chances. I need to get my car running next week or I'm gonna start starving. I'm running out of groceries.

[AZ3.8Camaro]

Re: How precise does the head bolt torque need to be?

Studs really aren't better, and may be more of a pain in the *** unless you plan on removing the heads often.

Just stick the stock head bolts, but use a breaker bar with a cheater bar on it, try to use the meatiest socket you have, maybe an impact socket if you can.
I mark my head bolts with a dab of nail polish so I can tell how much they have been turned.

[slow6]

Re: How precise does the head bolt torque need to be?

Just stick the stock head bolts,

he means stock replacements

I overtorqued/undertorqued my head bolts by just a few degrees and its working great!
It doesnt have to be as precise as rod cap bolts
ARP moly assembly lube probably isnt the right thing to use
I'm very sure they do have a fastener lube
I'm sure GM uses straight 30w oil on fasteners

if I'm wrong please correct me!

[UDLOSE98]

Re: How precise does the head bolt torque need to be?

Studs really aren't better, and may be more of a pain in the *** unless you plan on removing the heads often.

Just stick the stock head bolts, but use a breaker bar with a cheater bar on it, try to use the meatiest socket you have, maybe an impact socket if you can.
I mark my head bolts with a dab of nail polish so I can tell how much they have been turned.

I don't know I have read up on studs and would definetly say studs>>>>bolts.

[ChronoGN]

Re: How precise does the head bolt torque need to be?

Well, I'm just gonna get the studs, and do it right so I will get this thing right on the first try. I don't want to spend $80+ on gaskets again.
Oh yeah, anyone know what the threads are for the bolts? I'm gonna get a bottoming tap and clear out the bolts holes. I didn't do this last time.

[UDLOSE98]

Re: How precise does the head bolt torque need to be?

not sure, email ZZP, they will know.

[ChronoGN]

Re: How precise does the head bolt torque need to be?

not sure, email ZZP, they will know.

emailed them today, got a quick reply but they don't know. No one here tapped their head bolt holes?

[Turbo V6 Camaro]

Re: How precise does the head bolt torque need to be?

Studs really aren't better, and may be more of a pain in the *** unless you plan on removing the heads often.

Just stick the stock head bolts, but use a breaker bar with a cheater bar on it, try to use the meatiest socket you have, maybe an impact socket if you can.
I mark my head bolts with a dab of nail polish so I can tell how much they have been turned.

err the stock head bolt will lift at 15psi boost....... ask linxs

ZZP tor there studs to 90# look on there site for specs on the studs

[AZ3.8Camaro]

Re: How precise does the head bolt torque need to be?

err the stock head bolt will lift at 15psi boost....... ask linxs

ZZP tor there studs to 90# look on there site for specs on the studs

Sorry I didn't know he was turbo'd.