Question for Southern Auto Engine Owners

[pgermond]

I have a 406 from Bill at S.A. I have about 250 miles on the engine and it's running beautifully (aka - like a gorilla!), and I am very pleased with it. I've been under and over the car snugging everything up - exhaust manifold, oil pan, etc. Here's my question -

Have any of you re-torque your head bolts and, if so, was it necessary? I have heads aluminum, and I know with the expansion/contraction re-tightening is required (particularly with the exhaust manifold bolts 'cause they loosened up). But the head bolts?

I'm re-e-eally not interested in lifting the rocker arm assembly to do this if it's not necessary, nor am I looking forward to having to figure out how to get to #8 bolt (bottom rear) with the space (none!) allowed with the foot box

Thanks in advance for your input.

[Tony Radford]

Phil,

They typically run through the motor at around 800-1,000 miles and adjust the valves, change oil etc. Lewis runs the engines on the stand for a couple of hours and re-torques, adjusts, etc. I don't remember if he re-torqued my heads when I went back at 1,000 or not. Call Lewis and see what he says.

[Cracker]

I'm a Southern owner but not a Souther Auto owner but my guess is that you don't re-torque head bolts. The exhaust bolts are notorious for falling out all together. I ended up putting safety wire ARP exhaust bolts for the added security and of course haven't lost a one. Also check the pan nuts/bolts as those too can get really loose but everything else should remain secure.

NOW, it will be interesting to see what Lewis or someone more knowledgable than I has to say.

PS. My dear grandmothers live right up the road from you in Lake of the Pines west of Auburn - you live in beautiful country! Best wishes!

[ColoradoCobras.]

We went to SEMA and discovered LOCKING HEADER BOLTS!
Designed with an Allen head bolt that screws down the middle to expand the bolt. The man who designed them got tires of tightening his Corvette header bolts.
Well worth the $90-100 retail!
Otherwise its drill 'em and safety wires.

I can order some for you.
e-mail me if you'd like.

[Edbo]

These are reported to be about $55/set, haven't priced them myself. I use Stage 8.

http://www.go-breslin.com/text.html

HTH, Ed