I am looking to replace both the stock Main and Head bolts with new Grade 8 bolts (don't want to use studs) on my C2AE block build. When I measure the length of the 1/2" main bolts, they are 2.900" long. Can I use new 3.000" long bolts without redrilling?

Also, the shorter 2" head bolts actually measure 2.125 but I assume this may be due to stretch over the years, so I plan on using new 2.000 long bolts and call it good. The longest head bolts I measured at 4.300". I can't find any 4.250" long head bolts, would 4.500" long bolts be okay without redrilling? I heard that the C2AE blocks were drilled deeper so I think I will be okay with this plan.

Thanks,

Rono

  Ron Lane,  Meridian, ID

Rono:

The 3" main bolts will be OK, but check that the rear cap is not shorter than the other 4 to clear the seal retainer.  If the cap is shorter, the 3" bolt will probably be too long.  For the head bolts, I would screw the 4.5 bolts in the block by hand and measure them to be sure they are not too long.  I'm guessing they will be too long. 

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

www.mcmaster.com



Gr8 7/16-14, 4 1/4", 91257A686   $8.67/pack of 5


Lawrenceville, GA

Personally I would use ARP bolts instead of grade 8 bolts. If you check the ARP site you will be very surprised at the substantial difference in tensile strength between the ARP bolts and grade 8 bolts.
http://arp-bolts.com/  
Mummert sells them in packages for 292 or 312 engines. I have seen too many head gaskets blown  especially diesel engines from a lack of quality head bolts.

marv

Awesome link Charlie. I see they have a warehouse in Santa Fe Spring, CA ~20 mi East of me.



Thanks

"The Master Cylinder"

Enjoying life at the beach in SOCAL

Guys;

Thanks for the advice and info...I'll reconsider things.

Rono

  Ron Lane,  Meridian, ID

2 x ARP 653-2250

2 x ARP 653-4500



Those three upper center bolts are a little bit (~2mm) too long, but I got 1,3mm chopped heads.


Hyvinkää, FI

Rono, If you are going to bolt on a supercharger, don't take any short cuts on bolts! I used a.r.p. in my lincoln y-block and i am only running 6# of boost.

  JUST A MIDNIGHT CRUISE DOWN THUNDER ROAD!!! TOM DRUMMOND MIDWEST DIRECTOR 57 FORD INTERNATIONAL

You guys have convinced me...I'll go with ARP main and head bolts.

Rono

  Ron Lane,  Meridian, ID

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I do believe that the Hoosier Hurricane uses Grade 8 bolts. They are 1/2", though. See them just behind the head?







ARP is great, but for the budget minded, I think grade 8 will do the trick.


Lawrenceville, GA