This is probably a stupid question to those who already know the answer, but I don't. I have heard that newer american cars from a certain year up are put together with metric bolts. Does anyone know what year this is, and when thirdgens were switched ver from standard to metric? I can usually get whatever tools I have to fit around a bolt, but knowing this simple fact would make things go a lot quicker.

 

Unfortunately, we seem to be stuck with a mixed bag. In my experience, a lot of our chassis/suspension/body type things use metric fasteners, while things attached directly to our engines tend to use standard fasteners. It seems to get a little more mixed up when you get into TPI systems. If I recall correctly, there are both standard (base to head bolts) and metric (runners to plenum) bolts here. So, I find it quite helpful to have both a set of standard and a set of metric wrenches, as well as a full set of sockets including both types. I'm sure somebody else will show up with something a little more concrete for you...

 

Mike's right. That's why tool companies like Metrinch are around; because of cars like ours.

(Metrinch is the company that makes sockets/wrenches to fit both. I have a set and I'll never regret buying it.)