For the later model years, Ford switched to what's called a torque-to-yield head bolt. These bolts are designed to be yielded during tightening. This also means that they can be tightened/yielded only once.

Do yourself a favor and order a set of ARP fasteners for the heads. The quality is superb - and they don't make any torque-to-yield fasteners; so provided they're not overtorqued, they can be re-used almost as many times as you'd like.

And there are 10 per head -- 5 shorter ones (bottom of block) and 5 longer ones (top of block). While you're ordering, get a tube of the ARP thread sealer. The bolts have to have the threads sealed because the bottom ones extend into the water jacket. Also, use the same thread sealer (ARP's is moly-based) on all fasteners so that the torque pulls are all under similar circumstances. Take all 10 up to 70 ft-lbs. in about 3 increments (30/50/70) and then take the top 5 (longer bolts) up to 80 ft-lbs.

 

Awesome, that torque info helps a bunch. I'll get some of that thread sealer soon, I didn't know about that.

Thanks alot!!

 

I've already got some of the bolts ordered from Advance, I'll just use them. I've already returned the same headbolts a few weeks ago, when I didn't think I'd need them.

 

Chad - the figures I gave you are for ARP fasteners. If your parts supplier is giving you torque-to-yield bolts, the process for tightening is ENTIRELY different. You need to know what you're getting and putting in the car. Strongly urge you to return what you've ordered from Advance (if you can) and go with ARP.

 

really dont reccomend any of the common over the counter type mass sold bolts from the corner auto parts store.

really should buy what is offered from ARP.

and the arp units can be re-used over and over.