Vortec Head torque specs with ARP Hex bolts?
12-26-2019, 11:47 AM
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Vortec Head torque specs with ARP Hex bolts?
Whats the actual head torq specs with the hex style arp head bolts i have seen everything from 60-82 ftlbs. Thats a bit of a gap.
12-26-2019, 12:16 PM
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Re: Vortec Head torque specs with ARP Hex bolts?
ARP usually publishes instructions on their website.
12-26-2019, 12:18 PM
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Re: Vortec Head torque specs with ARP Hex bolts?
I tried looking online but cant find the specs.
12-26-2019, 02:25 PM
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Re: Vortec Head torque specs with ARP Hex bolts?
Then call them. It's way too important to take some stranger's word for it on the internet.
12-27-2019, 01:24 AM
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Re: Vortec Head torque specs with ARP Hex bolts?
Torque goes with hardware size, , not brand, and is intended to provide clamping force on the parts.
SBCs use 60 - 65 ft-lbs on the head bolts to provide proper crush on the gaskets. DO NOT exceed 65 but be sure to exceed 60, as measured with a beam- or dial-type torque wrench WHILE MOVING; this means, NOT a "clicker". Use some kind of NON-HARDENING sealer on the bolt threads and under the bolt heads of all 34 bolts since every one goes into the coolant jacket. This means, NOT RTV of any kind. "Hi-Temp Auto Thread Sealer w/ Teflon" from Permatex/Loctite (can't recall which of their brand names they assigned it to) usually hanging on a card in the Sealer aisle.
SBCs use 60 - 65 ft-lbs on the head bolts to provide proper crush on the gaskets. DO NOT exceed 65 but be sure to exceed 60, as measured with a beam- or dial-type torque wrench WHILE MOVING; this means, NOT a "clicker". Use some kind of NON-HARDENING sealer on the bolt threads and under the bolt heads of all 34 bolts since every one goes into the coolant jacket. This means, NOT RTV of any kind. "Hi-Temp Auto Thread Sealer w/ Teflon" from Permatex/Loctite (can't recall which of their brand names they assigned it to) usually hanging on a card in the Sealer aisle.
12-27-2019, 09:49 AM
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Engine: 383 Vortec TPI, PUTS SMILES ON FACE
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Axle/Gears: 3.27 POSI 9 BOLT
Re: Vortec Head torque specs with ARP Hex bolts?
So, i spoke with arp and they said 80 ft lbs with the studs i got. 70 ft lbs if it is bolt style, use a thread sealer in the water jacket holes and there torque past on the nut/washer side.
12-27-2019, 01:33 PM
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Re: Vortec Head torque specs with ARP Hex bolts?
You'll get better answers, that apply to the parts you actually have, if instead of asking about "bolts", you ask about "studs". 
That said, I would NEVER put 70 ft-lbs on a SBC head myself; too much chance of the gasket blowing between the 2 center cyls, from the casting getting distorted. Kinda like how a valve cover leaks between the screws if you over-torque them, because the place in the middle bows UPWARD under those conditions.
That said, I would NEVER put 70 ft-lbs on a SBC head myself; too much chance of the gasket blowing between the 2 center cyls, from the casting getting distorted. Kinda like how a valve cover leaks between the screws if you over-torque them, because the place in the middle bows UPWARD under those conditions. 
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