Hello guys,

at the moment, I am in the middle of rebuilding my engine like described in this thread: https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/carb...982-trans.html.

Now, a special kind of question occurred: With my new setup, the compression will increase to about 10.0:1 to 10.5:1. Which head bolts should I use to complete my build?

* It is ok to reuse the old head bolts (they were cleaned very accurately and look great)?
* Is it ok to go with a new set of OEM head bolts (http://www.summitracing.com/int/part...5499/overview/) for additional safety?
* Do I have to upgrade to a (expensive) set of high performance bolts (http://www.summitracing.com/int/part...3601/overview/) because of the higher compression?

Until a few minutes ago, I was REAL SURE that it is absolutely ok to reuse head bolts of a small block chevy. No I want to hear some additional opinions.

Besides the head bolts, I know I have to renew the dampener bolt. Any other bolts I should take care of? I want to reuse everything else, accurately cleaned, of course.

Best regards and thanks a lot,

Marcel

 

If the original head bolts are in good shape - no damaged threads, heads not stripped, etc. - then they're completely OK to re-use. Clean them up, wire-brush the threads and their heads and all, and chase the threads in the block. Use some kind of non-hardening sealer on the threads, since they all go into the water jackets; not shellac, not RTV. High-temp pipe thread sealer with Teflon is best. Put a bit under the head of the bolt as well as on the threads.

Only reason to "renew" the damper bolt is if it's damaged somehow.

There are no bolts on a 305 that "must" be replaced during a rebuild. No torque-to-yield or that sort of thing. If they're in good shape, you can re-use them all.

 

Hi sofakingdom,

that's music in my ears! I wire-brushed all bolts yesterday, they came out real nice, they are shiny and clean and I will inspect each thread before installation very carefully.

I ordered one tube of Permatex 59235 High Temperature Thread Sealant earlier this day, which should be the right choice for the job.

Thanks a lot!

Marcel