Replace head bolts?
 

I am getting close to bolting it back together. Is is necessary to replace all the head bolts or can they be reused?

Re: Replace head bolts?
 

Don't cheap out now, Darren, opt for the new head bolts, or you're likely to regret it...trust me, I learned the hard way recently...and DO NOT BUY MANLEY head bolts! ARP from now on...

Re: Replace head bolts?
 

What if he wants a bone stock factory correct replacement with correct markings ???

Re: Replace head bolts?
 

I am going to be asking a ton of questions cause I want this done correctly. I assisted with a complete engine rebuild years ago. So it's not that fresh in my mind.

Counting on the experience of everyone here cause the last thing I want to do is screw up my numbers matching motor.

Re: Replace head bolts?
 

[ QUOTE ]
Don't cheap out now, Darren, opt for the new head bolts, or you're likely to regret it...trust me, I learned the hard way recently...and DO NOT BUY MANLEY head bolts! ARP from now on...

[/ QUOTE ]Always replace head bolts! You are not re-using your head gaskets are you??? You are a D@&e! cheese steak man. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...s/rolleyes.gif

Re: Replace head bolts?
 

What a rough crowd.

[ QUOTE ]
What if he wants a bone stock factory correct replacement with correct markings ???

[/ QUOTE ]

I like this question. Any answers?

Re: Replace head bolts?
 

If you can't find bone stock head bolts use the best you can. Your car I don't believe is BONE stock anyway. None of them are out there. And further more https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...elairSucks.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif

Re: Replace head bolts?
 

What the hell same/ Did you sit on a bees nest today? https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif

Seattle Sam!! Chime in here. You've got your motor apart to.

Re: Replace head bolts?
 

Ya, We lost the Super Bowl!!!! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...emlins/mad.gif Don't bring the West Coast Sammy into this...He is my buddy! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/smirk.gif

Re: Replace head bolts?
 

[ QUOTE ]
What if he wants a bone stock factory correct replacement with correct markings ???

[/ QUOTE ]
I honestly can't say if they make "new" old style head bolts or not, but I'd be VERY leary using old bolts...I recently had 2 head bolts, less than 2 years old, snap on the L72 in our Camaro (Manley brand)...1 broke from just normal(!) driving, the other broke after I installed the head repairing the first boo-boo...both times required an easy-out, and major "hiney" puckering. You never know where a used bolt has been, or how many times it's been torqued/stretched...besides, if you decide to use an aftermarket bolt, once you spray it orange, how many people will notice? I'd rather know my heads are tight and are gonna stay that way than have a used, yet correct, looking bolt...but hey, that's just me! LOL!!

Re: Replace head bolts?
 

Hey Darren,
I believe you can re-use those bolts if you want to. Just clean em up good with a wire wheel, and run a thread chaser (or a tap)into the threaded holes in the block to make sure they are clean. Don't forget to put RTV on the threads to keep coolant out of your oil!

If you want to look original from the outside but have that warm secure feeling that comes from using the best, buy the ARP fasteners and use them in all the locations under the valve cover, then re-use the originals for the row of bolts outside the valve cover.

You could try contacting Rick's first gen or maybe SCW to see if they have a source for new bolts with the correct markings..

Re: Replace head bolts?
 

Paragon...............the "Vette" people.
I don't have their catalog in front of me, but I believe they have new bolts with the right markings for most applications.
(I don't get a cut........just trying to help)

Verne

Re: Replace head bolts?
 

There ya go, the best of both worlds..make sure they are grade eight!
http://www.corvette-paragon.com/
Darren, if you are going to drive your car the way Rob drives his, I would DEFINITELY recommend new ARP fasteners!!! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/burnout.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/burnout.gif
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif
-Sam

Re: Replace head bolts?
 

Figures a Vette house would have them....

Re: Replace head bolts?
 

They don't.
I have there current Catalog in Front of me.
EBay D.

Re: Replace head bolts?
 

$400? No way!

Re: Replace head bolts?
 

Is this it?

http://www.corvette-paragon.com/cata...A-145D6E688EB5

Re: Replace head bolts?
 

Oh,that's big block. Ooops

Re: Replace head bolts?
 

Really should go new----If your leaning more towards appearance rather than reliability---Check your thread landings for any signs of streching--even under the bolt head for galling----

Re: Replace head bolts?
 

If you really want to use original head bolts then I recomend that you get a set of head bolt washers used for racing. Then scrounge the salvage yards for a old V8 SB or BB motor that is out of a original low mileage 4 door car and get the entire set. If you inspect them close you can tell if they look like they have been used before by the flat sides of the heads of the bolts. The are metal and will not wear out without help or over tightening.

Clean Clean Clean. both the block holes and the used head bolts. Be sure to use a thread sealant and start to tighten them using a good tork wrench and start at 20 lbs under final value and keep working in a circle starting at the center head bolts and work out increasing it by 10 lbs at least two times. If any bolts don't feel the same as the others stop. Pitch it and start that side completely over.

You can reuse GM head bolts many times if you don't over tork them past their recomended value for your motor. The most important thing is to use good head gaskets. If you insist on using OEM GM steel ones I had good luck and never blew one when I put them on I would hang them on a hook and spray them with silver krylon and slap them on the block while they were still wet. The last and most important thing is to re-tork them one last time while the motor is hot after you get it running.

I have done this too many times over the years and never had a problem. Be sure to use a quality 6 point socket from a tool truck and not just any orential junk. If it don't have a known name brand on the tools you use, you may be sorry.

Pantera

Re: Replace head bolts?
 

Come on BG you big sausage, don't you know nuthin? Paragon Corvette supply has accurate SB and BB head and main bolts. Great quality. I think Chevy still has them but they are not exactly like the old ones. Also if you feel you have to use washers, use thread sealer or they will leak sure as hell. Frank https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...elairSucks.gif

Re: Replace head bolts?
 

Oh man whatever you do, don't use a regular tap to chase the threads in the block. You take out too much material and pull the threads out of the block! Heli coil time. Use a thread chasing tap or if you don't have that a nylon bristle brush and solvent usually works fine. Frank

Re: Replace head bolts?
 

Paragon sells accurate head bolts for BB's. Not sure about SB's. The Bb set sells for about 62.00...BKH

Re: Replace head bolts?
 

Thanks for all the advice guys. It's very much appreciated https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

Re: Replace head bolts?
 

Frank usually puts a dab of salami drippings on the threads to help seal them... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/Charley.gif

Re: Replace head bolts?
 

Bob,
I've found a lot of "right stuff" for my big cars from Vette suppliers. You'd be surprised how much engine stuff and hardware is the same. But the Vette guys don't even know it, or they'd have the other applications listed (more sales). In fact, I don't think they "want" to know it. Can you say.........tunnel vision?

Verne

Re: Replace head bolts?
 

Pretty sure the Vette smog stuff is correct for a California 409 !!

Re: Replace head bolts?
 

"There's two auctions on here that may possibly be era correct for you."
EBAY SB HEAD BOLTS

http://www.thecapras.org/mcapra/mupp...ages/ernie.jpg

Re: Replace head bolts?
 

Yep, Calif '62 and 50 state '63 & '64. It was only a PCV system, then CCV in Calif. '64. (CV-590C valve).

Verne

Re: Replace head bolts?
 

[ QUOTE ]
http://www.thecapras.org/mcapra/mupp...ages/ernie.jpg

[/ QUOTE ]

Ernie sez: "Buy new ARP head bolts Bert!"

Re: Replace head bolts?
 

Thinkin I should start a poll. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif

Re: Replace head bolts? IS PARAGON THE SOURCE?
 

I am leaning toward Paragon for the head bolts. I am bolting the motor back together with the intention to do mostly cruising and occasional run down the track. From what I am hearing I think they will work fine.

As long as I am at it I am considering using Paragon for purchasing fasteners for the following. Oil pan, timing chain cover, water pump and etc? Not sure if all the bolt markings translate to Camaro. If I'm gonna buy them I'd like to get it right.

Re: Replace head bolts? IS PARAGON THE SOURCE?
 

Darren,
I'm not sure if it shows up in their catalog, but Paragon has a paper chart (maybe 18x24) that shows all their bolt head markings and sizes available. I have one in my shop. It's a very quick reference if you need to match up an original one from the car. Saves messing with the catalog. I'm sure you can get one if you request it.

Verne

Re: Replace head bolts? IS PARAGON THE SOURCE?
 

Called Paragon. Apparently the SB head bolts are a generic replacement that spans 1954 to 1982. You need to order 2 sets at $45 a piece. No indication of what markings they have on them. Oh well.

Re: Replace head bolts? IS PARAGON THE SOURCE?
 

Bummer! I hope you didn't tell them you owned a Camaro. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...s/confused.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...emlins/eek.gif

Darren, if you can tell me what your original head markings are, (better yet, post a pic) and the bolt sizes you need, I'll check that chart I have tonight. If they have them, I can give you the part numbers tomorrow.

Verne.

Re: Replace head bolts? IS PARAGON THE SOURCE?
 

I'll do that but I am not even sure that I have the original bolts to begin with. Seems like most of the fasteners are wrong. The ones for the oil pan seem to be from the hardware store. You can see where some of them were cut cause they were too long. That's why I was option to go with Paragon for all the fasteners and pitch the Home Depot ones.

I'll take some pics tonight. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif

Re: Replace head bolts? IS PARAGON THE SOURCE?
 

Darren, then let's ask if someone else could post a pic of a known original '69 head bolt (let's make sure we know if we're comparing Flint or Tonawanda?), along with the sizes. It's not like I don't have a ton of small block head bolts lying around, but they're all from pre-65. I don't know if the Z's heads use different sizes.
If I can get that info by 5:30 est, I'll have an answer for you one way or 'nother tomorrow.
Verne

Re: 69 Z/28 head bolts. Anyone have originals?
 

Mr T is pretty sure he has originals.

If anyone else who has them could post a few pics I'd appreciate it.

Thanks! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

Where the heck is Scardino? Usually by now he is throwing cheesesteak remarks at me. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/dunno.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif

Re: Replace head bolts? IS PARAGON THE SOURCE?
 

Darren, Rick's also sells an entire bolt kit without head bolts and they have the generic replacement head bolts. Hope this may help.

Re: Replace head bolts? IS PARAGON THE SOURCE?
 

As I remember it, the original head bolts have a circle with a triangle inside for head markings https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/dunno.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...s/confused.gif