Hey guys. I'm throwing this out there for a feeler for a small business I would like to start up. I know when I was building my LSx, since I was peicing together parts, many times I didn't get any bolts with my stuff. Used GM bolts go for way too much money and buying new from GM is just a waste. I spent hours getting the info needed for the correct length, thread size, etc. Well I have been putting together info from these searches and though it may be a good idea to offer correct bolt and washer kits for misc parts of the LSx engine (and possibly other engines as well down the road).

So far I can put kits together for the LS1/LS6 intake manifold bolts, fuel rail bolts, throttle body bolts (allen head), and water pump. I would have no problem finding out the correct size for other parts of the engine as well if need be. These would be very nice quality zinc plated hardware with washers included and would be MUCH cheaper than the ARP stuff which as far as I know is the only alternative other than spending 6$ a bolt through GM. (for example, say 20$ for an intake bolt set w/washers as opposed to ARP's 50$ per set).

I'd just like your input as far as if this is something you think would be valuable to have available. Eventually I may go as far as to make molds for very rare items such as the 91-92 TA tail lights and such, however this is very expensive and I would need to build up some money first. My brother works for an oldsmobile resto shop that owns the molds and patents to hundreds of resto parts for the older oldsmobile cars. His boss said he'd be more than happy to help my brother get started if he thought there were some high demand parts for 3rd gens.

All in all I would love to get your feedback on the nut and bolt packages, and whether you'd prefer standard hex head or allen head bolts. Then maybe get some part ideas that you think would be very valuable to be reproduced if you'd like to throw that in as well (keep in mind making a mold is VERY expensive and I will not be able to make different types of parts at once so I'd like to get a feeler for the MOST sought after things.) Anyways, thanks for the help guys and hopefully I can turn this into something that would greatly help out the third gen community.

 

one thing just to keep in mind is that people tend to underestimate the complexity and critical performance of a bolted joint design and fasteners in general.

as an example, on anything more than a SAE grade 5 type bolt plating of any kind such as zinc is not a good choice. the chances for hydrogen embrittlement dramatically increase with the strength of the bolt resulting in a "popped" off head and its consequences. how the thread is formed with its root radius being rolled or cut can make the difference between a successful high strength bolted joint and a liability.

anyways just something to keep in mind if you are considering high strength fasteners...

 

Yea I know how critical a bolt design can be which is why I want to stay away from internal engine fasteners and let ARP handle that. I want to offer kits more along the lines of not-so critical fasteners such as front engine accesory bolts, water pump, intake manifold, timing cover, oil pan etc. Possibly coil pack bolts and whatnot. I do have various grades available as well such as grade 8, (non zinc) and the likes since I am working with a guy who works at a local specialty industrial bolt warehouse. This topic is really just meant to be a feeler for what people would want such as head style, grade, what parts of the engine they need fasteners for, etc.

 

Id steer away from manufacturing new parts for 3rd gens, esp firebirds. Birds are less common and in lower demand from the start, plus 3rd gen guys are cheap. Check out the classified forum to see examples of this and how most people in the original order will bail so you're stuck with the production costs

Next, bolt kits will be handy, but stick to existing dealers like McMaster and Fastenall, just assemble kits with a few bucks markup for your time. Savvy wrenchers already go that route bit small kits would save research time

 

I agree with alan and Pocket on this one. I just don't see a market with so many alternative choices out there. For the most part wrenchers will re-use non load bearing fasteners and then just use grade 8 bolts from the local hardware store. Also, you can order bolt kits from Summit and have them at your door in no time. It might be more expensive than piecing it together yourself but the added cost is margonal given the sunk cost of the swap itself. No two swaps are the same either which will sometimes necessiate buying hardware one bolt at a time.

 

I get my bolts through the dealership, they're usually not that that expensive. Otherwise if they are, I use this site : www.compnine.com to find out the bolt size and buy elsewhere.

 

Unfortunately I know that 3rd genners are cheap for the most part. I know that my brother and I would spend as much as needed for a quality part for our cars if it was something we needed to buy. I have a feeling that these cars will start getting the love they deserve soon though. I think they're at the halfway point where people are realizing their increasing value but yet they can still be had for a decent price and parts are semi-easy to find. And FYI I would be using Fastenal hardware.

I know that people are looking for them since there was a used LS1 intake manifold bolt set going for $30 on ebay and bidding still hadn't ended! That seems rediculous to me for used bolts......but obviously a few people really wanted them. Your average handy gearhead is going to use bolts they find at a local hardware store but there are plenty of people that aren't your average gearhead as well. There are also some people that really don't live near any quality hardware stores that are going to have a decent selection of metric bolts (Home depot and tractor supply are USELESS!!). These are the people that could easily just do a search, and buy the premade kits. I would most likely advertise them on ebay and see what happened, and worst case I'm out probably less than 100$ for the first batch of everything.

 

I say go for it man! It's always nice to have options when you need parts. Even fasteners

 

Well the thing is though, people are paying that premium because they are OEM fasteners. If you could get identical hardware to the OEM's for a fair enough price to market(which I doubt) would do ok. I cringed when I had to put a couple regular type bolts on my rear cover when I put it back on since I didn't have enough of the originals.

 

I think the new bolts actually look better than the OEM's honestly. Nothing worse than a clean motor with rusty original hardware. And like I said, they would be for things that don't need a high tensile rating like the parts I stated. Heres a pic of my LS6 intake on my car with the new intake and fuel rail bolts I got (which are the ones that I'd sell).



They can also be gotten in an allen head design with a black oxide finish which are very nice looking as well.