Reusing ARP rod / main bolts

[deMideon]

I recently bought a somewhat used sbc 377, my local rebuilder told me to check a few of the

bearings to make sure the aren't scored or anything.. makes sense since I don't really know

the condition of the engine. He said reusing the ARP bolts would be no problem , but I figured

I'd ask here for a second opinion! Thanks!

[Guest Anonymous]

As far as I know the only hardware you dont want to reuse is a stretch bolt.If the torqueing(?)instructions tell you to rotate the bolt 1/4 turn or so after reaching the the magic number,or ask you to measure the bolt after you torque it you probably dont want to reuse them.I am not aware of ARP doing that.I have seen them on aftermarket rods and diesel head bolts.At a machine shop I used to work at,we used to freshen up circle track motors all the time,and I never saw anything made by ARP that was disposable.good luck,E.B.

[grumpyvette]

in theory your supposed to change the A.R.P. rod bolts each time you rebuild the engine, but in the real world even I reuse them IF THE ENGINE HAS NOT HAD PROBLEMS OR BEEN OVER STRESSED in any way,or if your just pulling the engine down to re-ring and change bearings on a maint. rebuild. but useing a rod bolt streach gage to check the bolts on every rebuild is a great idea btw I never reuse them if even (1) fails the streach gage test!

[Mike C]

If you do reuse the bolts, which is pretty common, you should at minimum replace all of the nuts. ARP should be torqued with a stretch gauge, but usually one is not available and they are torqued with a wrench.