Head Bolt Re-use and Head Bolt Torque ? (AMC 360)

[rollbar]

Two questions please.

1. Can I re-use the head bolts?

2. What is the torque setting for these?

Thanks,
jim

[tufcj]

I've re-used them many times in the past in factory rebuilds. Since they aren't a torque to yield bolt, they can be re-used. In any performance rebuild I do, I prefer to buy new ARP bolts. Less than $100 for a set, a small percentage of what's being spent to build a motor.

My TSM calls for 110 ft/lbs. It also says to run the sequence to 80, then to 110. What I've done over the years is go to 3 steps, first round around 60, then 90, then 110. Takes longer, but I've never had a head crack either.

Bob
tufcj

[rollbar]

Wow, thanks again Bob for the help. I'll make a note of those settings.

Jim

[aljav]

We have torqued our heads to less than required.like 90 total. I have never understood why AMC had such high torqued numbers on the head bolts. Also make sure holes are very clean and oil the bolts. This is the same weather its a 13 to 1 compression or 9 to 1.

My 2 cents

[tufcj]

It was my understanding that AMC used more torque because there are fewer bolts. An AMC V-8 has 14 per head, where a small Chevy has 17. Ultra high compression AMC engines are drilled for extra bolts along the bottom of the head. Indy AMC blocks have the extra bolts standard.

A lot of research went into developing the torque values and sequences. I'll continue to torque mine to 110.

Bob
tufcj