Bolt strength?

[mike Arteaga]

Im replacing some on the frame with stainless as I rebuild parts of my 67'L79. ( right now I'm rebuilding the transmission). Are stainless bolts rated similarly to steel bolts? Some of the bolts I'm replacing have a fair degree of stress on them and I'm having second thoughs? Thanks !! Mike #34566

[Ed Jennings]

Re: Bolt strength?

I would not put a commom stainless bolt whe a high strength fastner belongs. Just my 2 cents. Just being stainless does not make a bolt high strength, just corrosion resistant.

[Joe L.]

Re: Bolt strength?

Mike-----

Stainless steel bolts do not usually have the tensile or shear strength of carbon steel, heat treated bolts (SAE grade 5 or . They should not be used for high strength applications requiring or originally using an SAE grade 5 or grade 8 bolt.

You can obtain high strength, stainless steel bolts which are rated similarly to SAE grade 8 from manufacturers like ARP. However, the bolts are not available in a complete range of sizes and are a lot more expensive than conventional stainless steel bolts.

[Larry barickman]

Re: Bolt strength?

In addition to the other responses, it is not a good idea to use stainless harware due to the "galling" tendencies of stainless. If you do use them be sure to use some anti-sieze or you may not get them out later.

[mike Arteaga]

Re: Bolt strength?

Thanks for the information Guys!! Mike

[John H.]

Re: Bolt strength?

Common stainless bolts are equivalent in strength to SAE Grade 2, the same as "farm" bolts at the hardware store. GM never used anything less than Grade 5 (3 marks on the head) anywhere on the car.