1964 327 head bolts

[Rick #39737]

Hello I am in the process of re-building my 327/365HP engine for my 1964 Corvette. I have been unsuccessful at researching the proper head bolts for my project. Can anyone tell me the proper head markings and where I may be able to locate a complete set for my small block? Thank You for your help.
Rick

[Joe L.]

Re: 1964 327 head bolts

Rick-----

The head bolts originally used on your engine had a raised circle on the head of the bolt. In the center was a "C", and "M", or an "A". Mostly, I've seen the "C", but the others were used, too. GM used a LOT of these bolts at that time and I'm sure that they needed more than one supplier.

Where to find them? Well, I don't think that these bolts are reproduced. However, there were a LOT of Chevrolet small blocks produced that used these head bolts. Perusing a self-service salvage yard will likely find you a set. Look for an engine that looks "first run" (i.e. one that looks like it hasn't been rebuilt or had the heads off).

An alternative: go to your local machine shop with a NEW set of head bolts. Offer to trade the machinest your new set for the right to pick a used set out of his head bolt bin. More than likely, he'd rather have the new bolts for use on an engine. Most of his customers would prefer NEW head bolts with incorrect head marking/head configuration (new GM bolts have a smaller wrenching size for the bolt head) than USED bolts with "correct" heads and markings.

[Rick #39737]

Re: 1964 327 head bolts

Thank you for the quick response.