Bolts fore aluminum T oil pan

[Tor]

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

[allrightmike]

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.

[galaxiex]

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.

[Dr Mabuse]

I vote for using studs, with hex nuts.

[gregb]

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.

[Tor]

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

[jayb]

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.

[gregaba]

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

[Tor]

Hello
Thanks to all fore your info.

Tor