Intake manifold bolt questions

[sublimegtx]

I'm getting ready to put my valley pan and intake back on and i have a couple questions. I was figuring i'd replace the intake bolts. Looking at summit i see a lot of different ones from $7 set to $50 a set. What's the difference? Could i just go to the hardware or autoparts store and buy some. Secondly does anyone know the torque specs for tightening it down. I would imagine being aluminum that the correct way would be in increments in a cross pattern. Is that correct? Thanks!

 

[Cranky]

Yes, using increments is the way to go and looking up a torque chart is a good idea too. Also, use washers on the bolt and NOT lock washers. Aluminum does not like naked bolt heads or lock washers. Best to use a thick washer or hardened ones....

 

[RustyRatRod]

We got a real good Ace Hardware close by. They have a big selection of stainless bolts. That's what I would use. Like Crankamous says too, use flat washers.

 

[sublimegtx]

Ya, ihave an ace just down the street, should i get stainless?

 

[MikeyT]

yup flat washers and decent stainless steel.

By the way great intake you got there!

Mike

 

[sublimegtx]

Thanks, anyone know the recommended tq, or where to find it?

 

[WP29440SE]

i never torque my aluminum intakes past 35 lbs

 

[MikeyT]

diagonal and 45 Ft/lbs, watch for leaking at corners!
Mike

 

[RustyRatRod]

Don't forget to put sealant on the bolts to keep oil from migrating up the threads and pooling up on the valley pan. Cause it'll sho nuff do it.

 

[sublimegtx]

:notworthy: Thank You all, it's always nice to know i'll get an answer to my dumb questions

 

[WP29440SE]

cast iron intakes are 45 , aluminum intakes are recommended at 35.

 

[MikeyT]

Thanks super77se, you are correct sir.

Mike

 

[Jasoncoronet]

The washers will be a little tricky to find. You need a an style washer that has a smaller outside diameter than a standard sae washer. I am pretty sure regular washers wont sit flat on all the wholes. Anyhow you can buy a pack of an style washers cheap from summit or a descent hardware store will have them also. Stainless bolts will work perfect like everbody suggested. Just my two cents.

 

[snakeoil24]

Skip the stainless bolts, they loosen up over time. Use graded bolts in black steel. Avoid the chinese crap.

 

[64SF]

What sealer should be used?

 

[tallhair]

i see you finished up painting and putting the "M" on the valley pan...looks cool.

 

[sublimegtx]

i see you finished up painting and putting the "M" on the valley pan...looks cool.

Thanks, Hoping that when i'm done with the green accents my engine compartment will have it's own personality. After painting the pan green and trying to stencil the M onto the uneven surface I ended up with too much overspray that didn't look good touched up. So i had to paint the black first, then go over it with the green. It didn't come out quite as nice as i would have liked, but it is what it is. I'm sure some people won't like it but if you don't, don't look at it. When i get it all back together with the green wires i'll post a finished pic. Looking for a used (on a serious budget) mopar performance air cleaner to paint to match the vc's.

 

[tpodwdog]

Skip the stainless bolts, they loosen up over time. Use graded bolts in black steel. Avoid the chinese crap.

i would use grade 8 bolts. get some good clear rattle can paint if ya want them to be pretty. dont worry...it wont come off.

 

[cr8crshr]

I am on the opposite side of this. I would invest in the ARP Intake Manifold bolts as they are more specific to what the AL Intake likes. Aftermarket Grade bolts or stainless types are just not as reliable as the ARP's or even the stock bolts. Yes they are more expensive, but if you research some of my posted pics to topics of my engine builds, I only use the ARP kits. The come with the tread sealer for a few bucks more and when painted will look great. Also as far as Torque specs? The FSM recommends for the stock set up 45 FT/lbs which is way too high for the AL intakes. Incrementally from say 20 FT/lbs up to 35 Ft/lbs will do. Or just go with a good "ARM STRONG" feel when tightening. But use the ARP kit. Makes the job and your motor's life a lot easier....

 

[sublimegtx]

Arp stainless are $50+. I'm working on unemployed budget, that's why I repainted my valley pan instead of getting a new one. Saved $12+ or -. I'll roll that $12 toward my air cleaner/wires or use it towards the gaskets. I may just use the old bolts, but I can get a discount at hardware store. Someplaces I scrimp others I don't. I think I can get by without $50 bolts, but thank you very much for your input that's what I'm looking for