I have chased female & male threads before installing my head, and stock torque for them is 65 lb ft. I now have higher than stock compression at 9.5 to 1. Should a higher torque be used, and is any type of thread locker recommended when installing head bolts?

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67' Dart GT Convertible; the old Chrysler Corp.
82' LeBaron Convertible; the new Chrysler Corp
07' 300 C AWD; Now by Fiat, the old new Chrysler LLC

You should be fine at 65 ft/lbs with oiled threads. You do not need a sealer as no head bolts enter the water jacket.

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Joshua

If the head has been milled, more then about .075, I would reccommend hardened washers under the bolt heads. Doesn't hurt in any case.

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Charrlie_S
65 Valiant 100 2dr post 170 turbo
66 Valiant Signet 170 nitrous
64 Valiant Signet
64 Valiant 4dr 170
64 Valiant 4dr 225

I'm right at 0.075", and the block has been milled some time in the past so I will use washers. Would the need for grade 8 washers be for a spacer so as not to bottom out the bolt?

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67' Dart GT Convertible; the old Chrysler Corp.
82' LeBaron Convertible; the new Chrysler Corp
07' 300 C AWD; Now by Fiat, the old new Chrysler LLC

Yup

You need fourteen 7/16" hardened washers. They make them just for head bolts which are thicker than your standard Grade 8 washers.

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Joshua

Hm, never heard of this. I have taken 2 heads down 0.100/0.200" angle mill and not had bottoming issues. Washers are not a bad idea, though.

I always run mine up to 75-80 ft-lbs, but most people look at me funny. Never broken a head bolt or damaged anything, and never had a head gasket problem (at least 6 heads and about 30 head gaskets used).

Just my 2 cents...

Lou

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Home of Slant6-powered fun machines since 1988

Another option is the ARP head stud kit. It is overkill for a street engine, but it's very nice to work with. Torque accuracy is better with the studs as well. If you've cut the head/block, the stud length isn't an issue.
When removing or installing the head, removing the studs will likely be necessary to clear the firewall and items attached to it. I pull the studs for comfortable clearance in my Valiant.

CJ

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Part of Tyrde-Browne Racing