Should I change my Main cap bolts??

[Slappy]

I am building a 360 and was about to put the oil pan on and thought should I put new main cap bolts on? I priced them from mancini and I have to buy two sets. One set is for the windage tray and the other set is for the rest of the bolts. They are ARP bolts. Its a cost of about 140.00. I already have the old ones in place and torqued down. I have always used the old ones in the past without issue. I want to do this engine right but I could put the 140.00 to use later in the build for something else.

 

[dartswinger84]

you can use your old bolts.

 

[Slappy]

I was thinking the same thing was just trying to get some opinions. Thanks dartswinger84

 

[SCredneck]

I've never worried over re-using them UNLESS I was building big or I saw something that made me suspect a possible problem.

 

[73Scamp318]

I've used the ARP main bolts on a couple of engines now and think the stock bolts are fine. I just decided to go overkill on one build and the bolts came with the other.

If you do decide to replace the bolts with ARPs, my experience has been that the bolt that goes under the oil pump on the rear main will not clear. It's close, but the head will stop the oil pump from being flush with the cap. You'd need to clearance the pump, the bolt, or use a stock bolt under the oil pump.

There are a few images attached to show the issue. The picture of the ARP bolt does not have a washer under it and the head of the bolt was not fully seated on the cap.

 

[Oldmanmopar]

Studs or new bolts! Its the heart of the motor. This is not where you want to cut corners. Mill the stud or bolt and the pump to fit. Ive seen my recall at 8900. I have no worry's.