Thread: Re-use head bolt? DE (NA)

So I had to take my head off and get some machine work done. And I was talking to Serban about the head bolts being re-used. We have both heard about them stretching.

So can I re-use the OEM ones that came with the motor? It's a stock DE with S4's.

Thanx..

-Wayne

it's not common for them to stretch out of spec, but take a look at the fsm, get a caliper and measure - I've had all my bolts be different lenghts but all within the maximum limit.

The bolts are TTY, they are meant to be used only once. You could prob reuse them on an NA motor without many issues, but you run some risks. Namely breakage, and threads can stretch as well and cause some headache.

The bolts are designed from the factory to be torqued past the elastic phase. Once they stretch they will likely never un-stretch when you remove them. I don't know how much more simply I can put it. I would buy some head studs. They are reuseable, and just barely more expensive than new bolts.

Or you could reuse your old ones, but you run some risks.

Nope

Do it once, do it right, if you can afford peace of mind do it at all costs. Next time you get a hiccup driving around, you don't want that to be a factor in your head. I'd just buy new.

do it right or do it twice, i would jjust get new bolts and be safe

you can but your not suppose to. its if its NA you should be fine but i wouldnt recommend doing it. ive seen people do it before and it worked fine

Well i went ahead and called Greg V. Had one set in stock so I got em. God I love that man!

Thanx for the info guys!