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Pinto Car Club of America

Shiny is Good! => General Pinto Talk => Topic started by: Wittsend on March 19, 2009, 09:49:16 PM

Title: 2.3 Head Bolts (need opinions)
Post by: Wittsend on March 19, 2009, 09:49:16 PM
Geez..., is it just me or is a real frustration of the 2.3 engine the need (and CO$T) to replace the head bolts - EVERYTIME!!!  >:(

The options appear to be:
1. spend 40.00+ on new bolts (everytime)

2. or $110 on a stud set (hummmm... how many re-torques with a stud set?)

These are prices on Felpro (ES72137) bolts or ARP studs.

Note: I found a place named Headbolts.com that sells a 1067 bolt set for $23.95.  Has anyone used them before?

Does the Ford dealer sell the bolts cheaper?

  What ever happened to the day of reusable head bolts???  This is a steel on steel motor, why the need for such a pricey bolt arrangement?

Input, suggestions, recommendations, are all appreciated.
Thanks, Tom
Title: Re: 2.3 Head Bolts (need opinions)
Post by: Fred Morgan on March 20, 2009, 03:01:51 PM
I always reuse the bolts. I have never bought new head bolts for any engine. Never had a problem. I know a guy that actually reuses the same head gasket I would not do that.  Fred   :)
Title: Re: 2.3 Head Bolts (need opinions)
Post by: dick1172762 on March 20, 2009, 03:11:13 PM
I've owned 16 Pintos. Raced 4 of them, and rebuilt at least half, and all with the same head bolts used over, some more than one time. So what is your problem?????
Title: Re: 2.3 Head Bolts (need opinions)
Post by: Mike Modified on March 20, 2009, 03:13:37 PM
Turbo 2.3 (at least) use torque to yield head bolts that should be replaced each time.

The guys on Turboford.com seem to recommend using the Ford parts for normal turbo use.

A discussion of the price here:
http://www.turboford.net/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=050861#000000 (http://www.turboford.net/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=050861#000000)

Note the website link that has the lowest price.  Good instructions on torquing also.

Mike
Title: Re: 2.3 Head Bolts (need opinions)
Post by: Wittsend on March 20, 2009, 08:07:18 PM
Thank you Mike for the link. If they really are $25 from Ford I'll probably risk using their bolts instead of dropping $110+ for ARP studs.

Dick, the bolts (at least in the turbo coupe) are designed for one time only use.  Read the link that Mike posted. Last night I read up on the matter. I can't find the link, but there is a ton of information out there.

  In a nut shell the bolts are designed to stretch to produce their highest clamping force.  However, once stretched they can not be reused. If you do problems include not holding torque and bolts breaking while torquing can occur.

I reused my bolts and have 80 PSI in #2.  It isn't worth saving $25 to purchase another gasket and do it ALL over again.
Tom
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