C2 - Re-Use 40 Year Old Head Bolts?

[Tom D.]

Partners:

Whould You Re-Use 40 Year Old Head Bolts? in a stock 390 HP 427?

Thanks
Tom Dingman
4889

[Clem Z.]

if the threads are not eaten away by rust,yes *NM*

[Tom R.]

Re: C2 - Re-Use 40 Year Old Head Bolts?

Tom, I would not re-use head bolts. when trying to re-use any type of bolt that has been torqued,you will be at risk. metal does not get stronger with age & bolts that have been torqued have been streched. you are in to critical of an area to be assuming.

[Mark #28455]

original BB bolts were not torque to yield

As long as they are not damaged, they can be reused - but if you want to spend the $70 to feel better, that's ok. I have reused head bolts in my street and racing engines for over 20 years, and have never had a failure or lost a head gasket.
Mark

[Clem Z.]

if they can be pulled to torque they are good *NM*