VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Mechanical - Engine, Trans, etc my new reconditionetorque head values for 35 chev

Hi there,
today I installed the newly reconditioned head to my engine.
I torqued it to 77 foot lbs using a guide that I found on here as a general information for bolts.
Is this enough pressure for High tension bolts rated a 5?
the guide says that I can go to 100 foot lbs but am I that strong in the arm?

Peter

If you used new bolts I dont see a problem at 77ftlb but if you reused the set you had I think you were lucky they all tightened down.
Tony

/Tony,
i used all new High tensile bolts, cost an arm and a leg, but there is only one way to do the job properly , new new new.
so is 77 OK or should I go higher?

peter

77 ft/lbs is plenty for a low compression engine.

The 1949 shop manual was one of the first Chevrolet manuals to list torque values. It lists 70 to 80 foot pounds for 216 engines. This should also be sufficent for 207 engines. Also the manual sates to retorque the head bolts after 1000 miles and with each tune-up. I would suggest to retorque the bolts after 1000 miles which is also a suggested time to recheck the valve settings.

So, what is the correct way to "re-torque"? Do we back off some and come back to torque or just apply pressure??

Just apply pressure.

I back each bolt and immediately retorque in sequence but it isnt neccessary.
Tony

I was taught by an old mechanic to oil then tighten, back off and retighten head bolts. It helps to flatten off the imperfections in the threads both on the block and bolt so they mate better. If you do that several times you will note that you turn the bolt a decreasing amount on each tighten, loosen, retighten cycle. Once there is no change then the bolt it tight. Never found any change when retorquing the head if I did that. Yes I have checked nearly every one later to find that the bolts are still where I set them.

Hi there,
I installed the head on Friday afternoon, what is puzzling me a bit is the gasket.

I received one from best gaskets in the USA, and it was a magnificent beast. Glistening in the afternoon dappled sunlight, copper sheen demanding my attention, I gently picked it up, my eyes drawn to it vivacious curves and openings...what a work of art!

On one side it had the name "best gaskets" , BUT no markings saying "TOP" or "this side up" as in years gone past? The pressing marks looked identical on both sides, so was I right to assume that it was universal and could be fitted any way up?
I gave it a spray both sides with the copper coating and laid it in place, then fitting the guide bolts at each end, as per workshop manual. The job was done, now to fit everything else!

Peter

Peter
The gasket may fit either end to front (wont fit side to side swap) but I hope you checked that all openings in the gasket lined up with an opening in the block and head whichever way you fitted it.
Tony

I haven't found that modern manufactured gaskets have a top (or bottom) stamped on them. Checking the holes to be sure the gasket fits them correctly is the important factor.

I have found the same thing....that the new cooper reproduction head gaskets can be put on either way since there is no top or bottom to the gaskets.

Hi there,
thank you all for you advice.
I did check the gasket before installing and it is identical both sides, and will also fit end to end on the same side of course.

Peter