Bottom end questions

[shelbyturbo1989]

I've got an 89 T2 engine that I've rebuilt once already. This is the second time it has been apart and i have some questions about it:

The main cap bolts are torque to yeild just like the headbolts, how many times can they be reused, and does ARP make studs for this block, I only saw non common block studs on FWD's site.

I've got JE pistons with the spiral lock wrist pin retainers, is there a special tool to get these out or some sort of trick so i can take the pistons off the rods?

Thanks for your help guys.

[Shelby VNT]

About the bolts, you might be better of just getting new ones and saving yourself a possible head ache later down the road. You might be able to get by using them twice, but check them over for signs of stretch first with a fine tooth comb. It usually shows up in the threads as a slight wavey edge rather then a straight edge.

They do make tools for removing spiral locks, but I suppose a screw driver might do the trick. Careful so you don't scratch the piston up, stab yourself, or take a hit in the eye if they spring out. I think they just call the tool a spiral lock remover?

[Mike B.]

ARP makes main cap studs for common blocks, but if you go with them you will need to have your block line bored--$$.

[shelbyturbo1989]

I don't really understand why i would have to get the block align bored if i switched to studs. I can see why it would be necessary to bore the rods when changing the bolts because they are pressed in and distort the rod, but in the block both the bolts and the studs apply the same downward clamping force and are not pressed in. Does anyone have an explanation on why this must be done? thanks

[cawcislo]

The ARP studs that are supposedly only for non common blocks will work for common blocks. It's just that the 6 inner main bolt holes are longer and you can't thread the studs all the way in or else you won't be able to put the nuts on. So just don't screw them in all the way. Cindy at FWD performance says they'll be fine and so does Gary... and I trust those two people. I'm currently having ARP main studs installed on the 2.5 I'm building.

[turbovanman]

You don't need to align bore the block if studs are installed, only if you change rod bolts, which you should do. The small block dodge fit, thanks to Donovans site."thumbs up