The V8 Owners Forum -

possibly stupid question, but are any of the head/main/big end bolts re-used come rebuild time, or are they all renewed?

Any othr fasteners that need replacing come rebuild time? FLy to crank, exhaust bolts etc?

Cheers

Virgil..

It depends on whether they are stretch bolts or not.

I most definitely would never re-use head bolts as they are designed to stretch when tightened. Mains and big ends are a maybe. I changed the big ends on my Citroen (thought I may as well while I had the sump off to add a baffle and windage tray). Bought ARP studs but couldn't get them in without removing the rods/pistons. Ended up re-using the same nuts/studs without issue (followed the manufacturers method of tightening). I didn't have any issues and they rev to over 7k. Not ideal but wasn't willing to disassemble the motor.

I would re-use flywheel bolts. Exhaust bolts yes if they clean up well and aren't damaged (make sure you use a very good high temp anti-seize when you put them back in).

My personal preference (which is what I will be doing for my build) is to get all ARP products for the important bits. Heads, big ends, mains etc. Below are the part numbers and prices.

Rod Bolts | ARP AZ215 | £53.34
Main Stud kit | ARP AZ550 | £65.89
Head Studs | AZ510A | £99.83

These can be re-used as many times as you like and are MUCH more reliable than OEM bits. All you have to do is measure them before you put them in. Use the correct lube and torquing method and then when you go to re-use them, measure them again to make sure they are within tolerance. Provided you use the right lube and torque them correctly you should get plenty of service out of them and probably save money in the long run.

My SD1 BL manual says the cylinder head bolts (non stretch type) can be re-used 3 times. But must be checked against new for elongation - and if more than two are found to be the lot must be replaced. If only one that can be replaced on its own.

Thanks guys...

Cammmy - where are those costs from and are they for TVR 500 (the rods are different to normal 4.6 rods)?

Cheers,

Virgil.

The head studs and rod bolts are from real steel. The mains are from:

http://www.american-car-respray.co.uk/p ... bCatID=661

I'm speccing for a 3.9 so you would have to confirm they are okay for your use or find the equiv part No.

Thanks. Will check...

Rover or ARP bolts will NOT fit TVR500 rods.