Im in the process of assembling my motor and i have a question. How did everyone torque their rod bolts? Ive heard you should measure it by bolt stretch, but this requires buying a bolt stretch gage and i dont plan on doing that unless i have to. Is there any other way to do this? Can you measure it with a torque wrench? If it is necessary to measure the bolts by bolt stretch then i will buy a gage, just wanted to hear everyones opinions/methods first.

 

torque wrench if you don't have the stretch gage, you could also mic them instead of the gage

 

If you use a torque wrench make sure the threads are oiled and make sure the wrench "clicks" while you are still tightening. No stop-and-start nonsense. You want the wrench to click off the torque reading while you are still "on the fly" with wrench handle. Obviously, you need a steady, uninterrupted pull on the wrench handle as you approach final torque to do this correctly.

Stock spec is 45 ft/lbs but I have found that you typically need 50-55 ft/lbs to get you the right amount of bolt stretch. I compared results using the 2 different methods and this seems to be about where they produce the same end result.

 

I bought a set of ARP bolts recently and the instructions in there said to do it 3 times to 50 lb/ft using the lube that's included with the set.

 

If using the torque wrench method, it is preferred that a moly lube be used instead of an oil. The torque specification will be lower for a given fastener when using the moly, since there is less friction with this type of lube (as opposed to oil), and a more accurate clamping load is achieved. ARP includes these specs with their products (whether using oil or moly), and I believe you can get them on their website also.

 

Mine came with a kit, but they are ARP bolts. Would you mind posting what exactly the directions said? The ARP bolts came with moly lube correct? Would this lube be the same as the moly lube for cam break-in?

 

I tried to locate that instruction sheet, but unfortunately I couldn't.
But as I remember it, you torque them to 50 then loosen them and re-torque them each 3 times, again to 50.
The ARP thread lube is like moly lube but it's thicker.
I have a few packs of it, and I wouldn't mind sending you one, but it would probably be easiest for you to buy a tube.

This is for 3/8" rod bolts BTW

Hope that helps