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Technical ARP head bolts in Ford Flathead 6

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by El Skitzo, Nov 3, 2016.

  1. El Skitzo
    Joined: Sep 10, 2014
    Posts: 11

    El Skitzo

    Has anyone here used ARP head bolts in a Ford flathead 6?

    I had a complete new head bolt kit from VanPelt Sales, and when bolting down the head the other week, one of the head bolts snapped in the block coming up to full torque. And now that we've cleaned up that mess, most of those new bolts are now stretched to the point I wouldn't trust using them again.

    I'd like to use ARP next time but they don't do a "kit" for the Ford Flathhead 6, but getting them individually my supplier can only give me a choice of 2.5" long or 2.75" long measuring under the head of the bolt. The stock length bolts are 2.62". Just wondering if the 2.75" will be too long and what other people have used?

    Thanks
     
  2. steinauge
    Joined: Feb 28, 2014
    Posts: 1,507

    steinauge
    Member
    from 1960

    Use the 2.75" ARPs and a hardened head bolt washer under each one.I have just run into the same problem with a flathead six Plymouth and that worked fine for me.
     
  3. RichFox
    Joined: Dec 3, 2006
    Posts: 10,020

    RichFox
    Member Emeritus

    You should call ARP and ask them if they have some closer to what you want. I find that better than some one trying to read a catalog.
     
  4. El Skitzo
    Joined: Sep 10, 2014
    Posts: 11

    El Skitzo

    That's a great idea, given that stock they don't use washers
     

  5. 19Eddy30
    Joined: Mar 27, 2011
    Posts: 2,314

    19Eddy30
    Member
    from VA

    Call ARP , they will make what ever size you need !!
     
  6. seb fontana
    Joined: Sep 1, 2005
    Posts: 8,442

    seb fontana
    Member
    from ct

    Taking an 1/8th off the 2.750 long bolt can be done if cost of "special" length is a factor..
     
  7. 48fordor
    Joined: Jan 16, 2009
    Posts: 143

    48fordor
    Member
    from York, PA

    Considered using studs and nuts? That's what my '48 has from the factory for the head. I have read early production engines used studs.

    Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
     
  8. J. A. Miller
    Joined: Dec 30, 2010
    Posts: 2,057

    J. A. Miller
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from Central NY

  9. Jack E/NJ
    Joined: Mar 5, 2011
    Posts: 836

    Jack E/NJ
    Member
    from NJ

    Forget old factory specs. 45-50 ft-lbs with clean lubed threads is plenty enough for washered 7/16 studs or bolts. Re-torque often till stabilized.

    Jack E/NJ
     
  10. 51504bat
    Joined: May 22, 2010
    Posts: 4,755

    51504bat
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

     
  11. El Skitzo
    Joined: Sep 10, 2014
    Posts: 11

    El Skitzo

    I would have been ok if I'd stayed at 50 ft-lbs...
     
  12. Rusty O'Toole
    Joined: Sep 17, 2006
    Posts: 9,657

    Rusty O'Toole
    Member

    I have heard that an ARP Chev small block bolt kit will work on a flathead Plymouth or Dodge but you have to buy 2 kits to get all the sizes you need. Don't know if it is true but might be worth looking into, it might be an easy and cheap way to get what you need.
     
  13. steinauge
    Joined: Feb 28, 2014
    Posts: 1,507

    steinauge
    Member
    from 1960

    Not true Rusty. The 4 intermediate length head bolts are about 1-2 threads longer than a stock 218 Plymouth head bolt. The others are WAY too long or WAY too short.
     

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