Head bolts

[steve from staten island]

The heads have been on and off my 383 more than once. Engine is totally stock. Should i use new head bolts or are the old ones still ok.

 

[idrivemopar]

I don't think its a bad idea, maybe not necessary, but some can be fatigued and stretched from constant heat/cold cycles. Mine were not replaced but my motor sat for more then half its life in a garage and only had 100 k miles on it.

 

[eric383]

I guess it depends on how tight your budget is and how many times they have been reused. For a little under $100.00 I would get some ARP's. Don't forget to chase the threads.

 

[snakeoil24]

Replace them! You can order them from Rock Auto and save a bunch, remember the studs for exhaust manifolds go into water jackets, these need replacing also and sealant on the bolts and studs. Use good multi layer Felpro gaskets and a small amount of silicone around water jacket holes in each corner.

 

[A383Wing]

no real need to change them, I'm still running OE bolts on all my engines....

 

[Meep-Meep]

I have reused head bolts on many MoPar engines without problems. You will know if they are bad when you torque them and it feels like you never get to the torque value. For sure chase the holes in the block and use a thread lubricant like ARP or at the very least grease.

 

[Mr Belvedere 30144]

I have reused the bolts every time and never had any issue. Save everywhere you can and this is one where you can save cash for something else.

 

[miller]

Bolts is bolts.
Using the original mopar bolts, at least you know they were made right...(non-chinese, or the like).

Bolts are like any other piece of hardware. If not used poorly, they should still be in good shape. Common sense thing here. If the head, threads, and shank are good, and no visible signs of over-torqueing, or rust pitting, no reason why they can't be put to work.

 

[A383Wing]

one more thing...do not use a tap to clean the threads in the block....use a thread chaser...if you use a tap, some will cut part of the threads and you will loose some material from the block, not a good thing