The Ford Barn

V8guy · 07-20-2023, 11:14 AM

Torqueing the heads on a stock 59-A cast iron heads, do it when hot or after cool down ???

marko39 · 07-20-2023, 11:28 AM

Cool

rockfla · 07-20-2023, 11:59 AM

IF its a new "rebuild" three times/heat cycles is the charm!!

Flathead Fever · 07-20-2023, 12:00 PM

Definitely after it cools down. The first time I did it I was surprised how much the nuts moved on the second torque.

Bored&Stroked · 07-21-2023, 06:42 AM

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On a new engine - you'll need multiple retorque sequences.

As to the amount . . . . A lot of it is related to the quality of the hardware (head studs, washers, nuts). When I switched over to expensive ARP hardware on my performance builds, the amount of retorque needed turned into a very minimal amount. This was completely different as compared to using the typical aftermarket "head stud kit for flatheads" that I'd been using from a lot of suppliers. Of course, the ARP stuff was 3X the cost - you get what you pay for! LOL

Aluminum Heads: One area that I really noticed as an issue (repop stud kits) was with the quality of the washers. You want really good quality hardened washers with aluminum heads - really makes a difference on retorque.

07-20-2023, 11:14 AM	#1
V8guy Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Milwaukee Wi Posts: 67	Re Torqueing heads Torqueing the heads on a stock 59-A cast iron heads, do it when hot or after cool down ???

07-20-2023, 11:28 AM	#2
marko39 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: harpursville ny Posts: 1,054	Re: Re Torqueing heads Cool

07-20-2023, 11:59 AM	#3
rockfla Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Jacksonville FL Posts: 4,021	Re: Re Torqueing heads IF its a new "rebuild" three times/heat cycles is the charm!!

07-20-2023, 12:00 PM	#4
Flathead Fever Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Yucaipa, CA Posts: 1,101	Re: Re Torqueing heads Definitely after it cools down. The first time I did it I was surprised how much the nuts moved on the second torque.

07-21-2023, 06:42 AM	#5
Bored&Stroked Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Central Ohio Posts: 5,178	Re: Re Torqueing heads Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) On a new engine - you'll need multiple retorque sequences. As to the amount . . . . A lot of it is related to the quality of the hardware (head studs, washers, nuts). When I switched over to expensive ARP hardware on my performance builds, the amount of retorque needed turned into a very minimal amount. This was completely different as compared to using the typical aftermarket "head stud kit for flatheads" that I'd been using from a lot of suppliers. Of course, the ARP stuff was 3X the cost - you get what you pay for! LOL Aluminum Heads: One area that I really noticed as an issue (repop stud kits) was with the quality of the washers. You want really good quality hardened washers with aluminum heads - really makes a difference on retorque.