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FE Power Forums => FE Technical Forum => Topic started by: Tor on April 27, 2025, 01:01:43 PM

Title: Bolts fore aluminum T oil pan
Post by: Tor on April 27, 2025, 01:01:43 PM

Hello
What bolt shold I use when mounting a aluminum T cobra oil pan on my 428 cobra jet engine? And what sealent should I use?
I"m greatful fore any answer

Tor

Title: Re: Bolts fore aluminum T oil pan
Post by: allrightmike on April 27, 2025, 01:23:28 PM

McMaster-Carr has some nice fanged hex bolts that are not serrated (the serrated bolts will eat your aluminum pan in short order). Also if you have a windage tray sandwiched in there (which usually require two gaskets), deforming the pan at the bolts becomes more of a problem. You might be able to employ some pressure spreaders as seen with valve cover bolts.

Title: Re: Bolts fore aluminum T oil pan
Post by: galaxiex on April 27, 2025, 03:17:16 PM

Hex head bolts are not likely to fit very well.
The thickness of the casting means there is no room to get a socket on a hex head bolt, even if you do get it started.

Flanged hex bolts will be even worse.
The flange will interfere with the vertical "wall" of the pan, and the bolt probably won't even go in the bolt hole.


 Socket head cap screws ( the type that use an allen wrench) are usually your best bet.


You shouldn't need load spreaders.
The aluminum pan rail is fairly thick and won't distort, unless you seriously over tighten the bolts.

Title: Re: Bolts fore aluminum T oil pan
Post by: Dr Mabuse on April 27, 2025, 07:34:48 PM

I vote for using studs, with hex nuts.

Title: Re: Bolts fore aluminum T oil pan
Post by: gregb on April 27, 2025, 11:55:49 PM

I used studs on mine.  Keep in mind, the holes in the pan aren’t spot faced (at least the ones on mine weren’t) so some don’t exactly sit flat.  I’d recommend using ARP nuts with the flange, there flange is more narrow and fits better in some of the locations……I didn’t have any issue getting a socket on any of them.

Title: Re: Bolts fore aluminum T oil pan
Post by: Tor on April 28, 2025, 01:49:34 AM

Hello
Thanks fore input,what is the dimension on those bolts,and the therad type. I have the AMK catalog but i need a little more guiding too get the right stuff. Thanks

Tor

Title: Re: Bolts fore aluminum T oil pan
Post by: jayb on April 28, 2025, 06:43:42 AM

FE oil pan bolts are 5/16-18 for the thread size.  On my Cobra pans I've been able to use normal bolts in most locations, with allen head bolts in a couple of the rear corners, where the normal bolts won't fit.  Studs are also a good idea.  The flange on the pan is pretty thick, and I usually use a windage tray and two gaskets, so a 1" long bolt or stud seems to work the best.

Title: Re: Bolts fore aluminum T oil pan
Post by: gregaba on April 28, 2025, 09:42:41 AM

I switched to stud's many year's ago.
For me it is the only way to mount a pan stock or not.
Greg

Title: Re: Bolts fore aluminum T oil pan
Post by: Tor on April 28, 2025, 11:21:12 PM

Hello
Thanks to all fore your info.

Tor