Where is the best place to buy head bolts for my 65 olds 425 engine? Was on the hot rod power tour and car puked near memphis tn. Overheated and think blew head gasket. Rented a truck and trailer and towed back to oh. Pulled engine down and heads checked/ milled a touch and would like to put new head bolts in. It showed weak compression on cylinders 1,3, and 5.

Thanks all

bob

 

ARP fasteners

http://arp-bolts.com

 

They say ARP makes a good fastener.
You may need 1 or 2 factory boltstuds for the accessory mounts.

Amazon, Summit, your local speed shop, etc.

 

Understand that the factory head bolts are not torque-to-yield and can be reused with no problems if they have not been abused. Aftermarket bolts do not have the special stud-head fasteners for accessory brackets.

 

Is it safe to mix ARP head bolts and factory stud head bolts? Isnt the torque reading different from one another? Lets say ARP is 90 ft lbs and the factory is 80 ft lbs. Will the head warp from different torque setting?

 

You are torquing the bolts to the factory specs., what does ARP know about each manufacturers specs?

 

Thanks to all who responded,,think i will use the ones i took out,,,have two sets of them.

Bob

 

Dragon slain.
I am a fan of using the factory issue parts unless there is good reason not to. They fit right and work right.

 

Thanks,,,will do

bob

 

Be sure to clean all the bolts and use oil or lube to get a good torque.
also chase the threads in the block and blow out and clean.

Gene

 

Bad plan! Those are old bolts.The new arp bolts will insure that you get proper head seal.Using the old bolt for bracket accessories is one thing but to totally use all old bolts is another.Most engine builders steer away from the old head bolts and opt for ARP. Call up some machine shops and ask them.Do what you want this just is trying to get you to reconsider.JMO

 

Thanks for your input,,,now i will check with machine shop that did my heads.no rush on this job.

Bob

 

These, again, are not torque to yield bolts, they are 100% re-usable unless over torqued or rusted badly.

Cleaning all threads and applying lube should go w/o saying, but, now that it is said, I agree entirely.

What will ARP bolts provide for the extra money? Bragging rights. Window sticker. Peace of mind- if you are worrisome.... extra factor of ignorance.

Honestly, since the original bolts can with no doubt be re-used at the factory loading level... even if the ARP bolt is less near its yield point, the difference is between "entirely in safe zone" and "entirely in a somewhat larger safe zone". No difference in real life.

Unless you are into power levels requiring o-ringed cylinders, then we can talk about the need for enhanced fasteners.

 

Actually, the car will be quicker due to your now lighter wallet...

 

I see that Inline Tube sells a complete set of Oldsmobile head bolts if you want new ones , even has the studs for accessories >$99