[goatnut]

I used the newer 1970 up chrome valve covers with the oil drippers and used the new ARP bolts. I did not want to reuse 40 year old bolts on a fresh engine. New ARP bolt kit and a new balancer are cheap insurance compared to replacing the engine due to failure of old parts. Although I have never heard of the head bolts(Pontiac) failing I knew my engine had been overhauled before I got it and didn't want to chance it.

[PaulatFast]

Originally Posted by goatnut

I did not want to reuse 40 year old bolts on a fresh engine. New ARP bolt kit and a new balancer are cheap insurance compared to replacing the engine due to failure of old parts. Although I have never heard of the head bolts(Pontiac) failing I knew my engine had been overhauled before I got it and didn't want to chance it.

You are correct... Pontiac head bolts do not fail and cause the engine to be replaced... EVER!

[Tony Goat]

Thanks guys,

All of the threads looked fine so they were cleaned and reused. And now I know!

Tony

[goatnut]

Originally Posted by PaulatFast

You are correct... Pontiac head bolts do not fail and cause the engine to be replaced... EVER!

No but they can be over torqued and stretched. They are nothing special that I am aware of.

[PaulatFast]

Originally Posted by goatnut

No but they can be over torqued and stretched. They are nothing special that I am aware of.

I'm not arguing with you, if you feel better about your motor with ARP bolts that's great. They certainly aren't going to hurt anything.

After twenty five years of building Pontiac motors I have NEVER seen a Pontiac head bolt stretch. EVER. Can they? I am no metallurgist but I assume they could, under the right circumstances... Remember, newer cars are usually sealing aluminum heads to a cast block, the two different materials expand and contract at different rates, these motors have a much harder time keeping the heads sealed properly. One way they try to keep the seal is by using a more "elastic" bolt that keeps the pressure on the gasket throughout the heat cycle. These bolts fatigue much more quickly than the bolts used on older cars. Alot of times these bolts are considered a one time use item.

I assume you have ARP main studs, rod bolts, intake bolts, flywheel bolts, cam and crank bolts, etc.? Because they all could be overtorqued and stretched as well.

[goatnut]

Yes sir all new ARP bolts/fasteners.
I to have been wrenching and building engines for over 25yrs and yes most all are everyday driver type cars new stuff. You got me on the poncho experience I have only put together a few. The differance between my build and probably most on this board was more reliablilty than originallity. I have seen more than enough failures due to reuseing old balancers and such. Like you I am not here to argue just personal preference.