Rod Reconditioning - using NEW bolts?

[CBRacerX]

Got a strange one here. The machine shop that is reconditioning the rods wants me to provide new rod bolts to use during the machining process.

Huh? When I questioned this, the machinist, who up to now I have been quite happy with, told me that he has seen cases (not many) where the used comparted to new rod bolt actually produced a change in shape on the big end. He wants to install the new bolts and torque to the first step (30 ft'lbs stock I believe) and machine them like that.

I am using new ARP rod bolt$$ and not keen on the idea, but he was pretty adamant.

Am I missing something?

[Eagledriver]

Most places use the old bolts for the reasons you state. As I understand it the ARP bolts can be reused so that shouldn't be a problem. I don't think that the rods should be reconditioned with the bolts under torqued though. That sounds fishy.

-Andy

[john walker's workshop]

not a problem with ARP bolts. they can be reused. they get torqued to 35# 3 times anyway. torque to proper spec though. the reason they want to new bolts is that the interference fit varies and that could pooch out the rod bore adjacent to the bolt.

[cstreit]

Good point JW.

Don't worry about using your ARP bolts, just make sure they don't OVER-torque them and let them know to treat them with care. They are reusable as long as they are treated well and not overtorqued. Rule of thumb I use is 10-uses after the first install. (Assuming no overruns, etc..)

[CBRacerX]

thanks guys, I should know better to let the real pro's handle this