How to Torque Raceware rod bolts

[Tom Oxner]

I purchased a set of Raceware rod bolts for my 3.3 turbo. I accumulated the parts for the rebuild over a couple of years. I am now ready to reassemble the engine and I cannot find the instructions for torquing the rod bolts. I checked Raceware's website but could not find the instructions there. I did a search of this forum and did not find instructions as to how to torque the rod bolts. Any assistance would be appreciated. Thanks,

Tom Oxner

[KTL]

Try a cross-post in the engine rebuild forum too.

[ChrisBennet]

Call Raceware. You'll get the specs and maybe a free education on rod bolts. At least it seems to work that way when I call a vendor directly.
-Chris

[RoninLB]

I was able to get spec stretch at huge torque.

[barney911rs]

From what I've seen on various car shows, you'll want to use a stretch gauge to get the proper torque instead of foot pound with torque wrench.

[schnellmann]

I used raceware rod bolts on my build last winter. You need to use the stretch measurement method as others have said. The instructions say you can torque them to around 50 ft/lbs (if memory serves me, but you shouldn't trust it) as a fallback if you have no way of measuring the bolt stretch.

I don't have the specs anymore or I'd scan them for you. All the above is a long way of saying call 'em. I bet they'd fax the instruction sheet to you.

[Tom Oxner]

I called Raceware this morning and they are going to e-mail me the instructions for torqueing the rod bolts. They were very helpful. Great folks to deal with. Thanks for your help.

Tom

[ornas]

answer from raceware:

Lubricate the bolt threads and the nut with 40/50 weight ENGINE OIL ONLY (no moly, anti-seize or additives--these require a different torque spec), and assemble. Because these rod bolts are such a small diameter, we recommend using rod bolt stretch instead of torque to properly tighten these fasteners. Correct rod bolt stretch is .0090" to .011" . If you must torque the bolts without measuring stretch, tighten as follows:

step 1. 20 ft/lbs. (25Nm.)

step 2. 35 ft/lbs. (46Nm.)

FINAL TORQUE 52 ft/lbs. (68Nm.)

[Vincent Hill]

Originally Posted by ornas

answer from raceware:

Lubricate the bolt threads and the nut with 40/50 weight ENGINE OIL ONLY (no moly, anti-seize or additives--these require a different torque spec), and assemble. Because these rod bolts are such a small diameter, we recommend using rod bolt stretch instead of torque to properly tighten these fasteners. Correct rod bolt stretch is .0090" to .011" . If you must torque the bolts without measuring stretch, tighten as follows:

step 1. 20 ft/lbs. (25Nm.)

step 2. 35 ft/lbs. (46Nm.)

FINAL TORQUE 52 ft/lbs. (68Nm.)

Never apologize for being able to be understood in more than 1 language because most of have problems in using only 1!

I saw very good advice about the Stretch! Remember, Bolts are like very strong "Springs" and you need to be in the Sweet Spot for Max Strength! I use a Micrometer to measure stretch