Valve Cover Bolts - AMK

[DuckRyder]

Is is just me or are these too long?

Have AMK F339 Valve Covers - 390/427/428 (STL or ALUM)

Looking to put Repop PBF covers on but these seem to bottom before tightening. I also cant use the same length ARP bolts with Repo Lemans covers and steel so a surprised these are listed for both.

Anyone else run into this or am i just cursed with FE's?

[pbf777]

     No, your not cursed, it's just the norm.   

     Scott.

[blykins]

Welcome to the aftermarket. 

[DuckRyder]

Ok thanks Gents, as long as it isn't just me.

Back to ARP i suppose.

R

[blykins]

Ok thanks Gents, as long as it isn't just me.

Back to ARP i suppose.

R

Good luck with their stuff too.   

To be honest, I only use ARP for fasteners that are in high load:  mains, heads, rods, cam.  For everything else, I will use a regular fastener.  One of my best kept secrets is buying a complete external fastener kit from Alloy Boltz.  It comes with *everything* that you need for external fasteners:  oil pan, timing cover, water pump, valve covers, intake, headers, thermostat housing, carb studs, distributor bolt, you name it.  It's about $50-55 for a complete stainless steel bolt kit. 

As with every bolt kit, don't always count on the intake bolts being the right length.  Different intakes take different length bolts. 

[Urgefor]

I became tired of bolts for the valve covers and use studs now instead.  A bit of threaded rod cut to the desired length along with a flange nut and a flat washer. The part I like the most is being able to set the valve cover gasket over the studs and not have to worry about anything while putting the valve cover on.  I use cometic's valve cover gaskets so mileage may vary if you use something like cork.

[Dr Mabuse]

I also use studs in many applications, but never threaded rod, except for a carb air cleaner hold down. Any good hardware, auto, or big box store has different length and grade studs. Of course, threaded rod for an exhaust manifold would be a disaster.

[My427stang]

I wonder if you got an odd set? I buy them in bulk from AMK and haven’t had an issue.

[Heo]

I use studs a washer and stainless acorn nuts

[DuckRyder]

I already have 2 different lengths of ARP, i was just trying to look more stockish.

I doo agree it was a lot lot of work to get the right length bolts even with an ARP full engine kit. Especially the intake.

Ross, interesting, ill stick a caliper on mine and see how long they are.

[My427stang]

I'll check a couple today too

[Urgefor]

I also use studs in many applications, but never threaded rod, except for a carb air cleaner hold down. Any good hardware, auto, or big box store has different length and grade studs. Of course, threaded rod for an exhaust manifold would be a disaster.

I had the threaded rod, nuts and washers on hand.  I agree about the studs though.  Had it been any application other than the valve covers (carb excluded), it would have been a proper stud.

[DuckRyder]

I get .629 from the lock washer tail closest to the bolt head to the end of the bolt.

[rockhouse66]

The bolt you have is correct; 3/4" long bolt, .62" to the split washer.  AMK sells an identical bolt with the same head marking in 5/8" length.  AMK p/n B-12314 for a package of 4 or B-10192 for a package of 17 (because it is also used for the oil pan on FE without the windage tray).

[cammerfe]

Dr Mabuse---

At least here in Detroit, I suppose because of the plethora of manufacturing entities here, it is entirely possible to go to a bolt/fastener supply and buy 'All-thread' of any material/grade you might need. I have often bought lengths of extra-strength stainless steel to use on such things as suspension fasteners.

We may well be a bit spoiled because of the ease of finding things not available in other parts of the country.

KS