Re: Engine Rebuild: Stock Head Bolt Strength

[QSHIPQ@aol.com]

In a message dated 97-09-17 13:18:40 EDT, you write:

<< To:	QSHIPQ@aol.com (Scott Fletcher)
 >CC:	quattro@coimbra.ans.net (Quattro List), graydon@apollo.gmi.edu (Graydon
>Stuckey)
 
> I am doing considerable modifications to my '86 5kcstq as I rebuild the
> engine and am wondering
> how well the stock headbolts/ threads hold under high boost/HP situations.
> Would it be wise to upgrade
 >to Raceware hardware and are Timecerts or something similar necessary to
 >hold everything together? 
  >>
Scott Fletcher?  cough, cough...  Truly your mind jests you sir.  

Corky Bell has one of the better quotes on Head Bolts:  "Rule:  A head bolt
is an accountants decision.  A head stud is an engineers decision."

Now, I will temper that with some btdt.  As a general rule, the vw/audi head
bolts (049-103-384B - available from either the vw or audi store) are pretty
well designed, and really have no big problems.  In fact, the Bentley's put a
notation in the manuals indicating that reusing the head bolts is OK.  

One view and the other.  My recommendation is to just get new head bolts.
 Want to play it really safe, get the studs.  I have run in excess of 21 psi
with the stock bolts with no problems.  The difference in price?  A little
over 120 bux.  Peace of mind:  Get the Racewares.  Regardless warning:  Get
only the proper turbo head gasket for your car from the dealer.  Make sure,
double and triple ck, to follow the procedure for torquing the bolts/nuts to
the "T".  As a rule, I have someone count off (Brendan did a fine job on the
wagon) and point the way to the next bolt and tightening sequence.

HTH

Scott Justusson
'87 5ktqwRS2 - stock head bolts
'84 Urq