I called Trickflow today to get the torque values on the fasteners that weren't listed in the instructions. The guy couldn't give me any specific number for the brackets. I want them tight enough so they don't fall off but don't want to strip any threads, either. Any suggestions? Maybe a little blue Loctite, too? I'm thinking maybe 30 ft/lbs, max.

 

Forgive me, but what specifically do you mean by 'serpentine brackets'? The mountings that bolt onto the front of the motor that also hold the Alternator, P/S, etc?

 

Yes, sir.

 

Here's the GM instruction manual, which includes torque valves, if that's helpful:

http://static.atechmotorsports.com/g...l-12497698.pdf

JamesC

 

Great info. Thank you very much! I'm wondering, though, if the values would be the same for aluminum heads as that appears to show stock/iron heads. I really don't want to pull a thread out of a brand new set of $1200 heads.

 

Oh god, for aluminum heads, it's going to be far less. I'll say maybe 12 foot pounds.

I just reinstalled a motor in my car that has aluminum heads. I didn't use a torque wrench on the serpentine belt. IMO you use wrenches a lot, you get to know what torque amounts feel like what in the 10-30 range. Just make absolutely sure you don't cross thread, and use anti-sieze. Enough to cover all the threads that are going to be in contact, but don't drown the bolt in it.

 

Well, I get what you're saying but would like a verified specific number. My arm doesn't "click". 12 ft/lbs, to me, is like 1/4" drive nut driver tight. I don't want stuff starting to fly around under the hood on the expressway. That could get real ugly fast, especially with my new aluminum radiator. I Googled Corvette a 100 ways to Tuesday, as they have alum. heads and a serp. set up, albeit a little different, but came up with nothing.

 

I wish I could give you a number, but I don't have one.

If it helps, my guess of 12 ft lbs is from gauging what I personally did when I tightened the bolts down, and from a manual talking about intake manifold bolts into aluminum heads. In the text, it said for iron heads use 30 or something pounds, and for aluminum heads, only 11 foot pounds.

If you're in doubt that much and can't find a real number, I say you just follow my advice and check on them very often after you drive it. I understand full well the fear of terrible things happening to our babies, but the worst that could happen is them starting to loosen up if you keep an eye on them.

 

Thanks. I think I'll look a bit more before I just wing it, though.