Steel 302 valve cover bolts

[85_Ranger4x4]

I have chrome plated steel valve covers on my 302. The size of bolt that fits best is 1/4-20x5/8. I got some flange head bolts in that size from John Deere of all places that fit and work great but they are gold. I got some stainless SOHC from the hardware store and they are very soft, I barely looked at one wrong and it broke off flush with the head and I barely got it out without pulling the cylinder head off the truck. The regular black SOHC that are hard turn to rust very fast.

I want stainless but I want good stainless.

I am amazed that the only options I can find are .515 long (doubt the .015 will make a difference, 1/2" long won't start) or .75 (which will bottom out)

Is there anybody out there that has found anything that would work? I can't believe that ARP doesn't make something... I can of course cut one down but it doesn't seem right that the correct thing for millions of stock vehicles doesn't exist.

 

[Scott B.]

I'm using ARP bolts. Not sure of the size (I can go home and look) but I was able to use them out of the box - no modification necessary.

 

[Mac]

Most of the stainless fasteners are softer than a grade 2 and are not so good as corrosion resistant. Think it's those of 17-4 material that are better. I bought a complete set long ago from Summit for most of the engine fasteners, socket head and washers for the valve covers. I can't beleive you broke one of them bolts but had that happen even with the ARP on a intake. Try Fasenal or modify what you got, no one will know.
Dave

 

[shane96ranger]

They are 1/4-20" aren't they? It's been a while since I had them out.


EDIT: I assume this is the ARP set you found?

http://www.jegs.com/i/ARP/070/400-7502/10002/-1

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

They are 1/4-20" aren't they? It's been a while since I had them out.


EDIT: I assume this is the ARP set you found?

http://www.jegs.com/i/ARP/070/400-7502/10002/-1

Yeah, I tried regular 1/2" long ones and they would just barely not start with the gasket in there. I don't want to blow $30 if they don't work, I don't know if the extra .015 would make much of a difference.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Use the .75 with a washer.

Richard

 

[shane96ranger]

This is what I want for the Mustang:

http://earlybroncobuilder.com/index...lated/81-ford-302-valve-cover-bolts-fasteners

 

[Mac]

Fasenal has them in the socket head style in SS and correct size and lenght for .25-.40 apeace. Would probably need a washer with them. Looks like those that Shane posted.
Dave

 

[shane96ranger]

We have this little Mom and Pop shop here locally that you can find these easily, and any obscure stuff for cars. They even carry clips and such for the chrome trim on the cars from the 50's. I just noticed they have a 1-800 number, so I am guessing they will ship. Here's there info if it's of any assistance:

http://www.merchantcircle.com/business/Ray.Fasteners.801-972-0397

 

[dangerranger83]

Im just using some grade 8 ones that I got from my local farm stor with a washer on eash one and Im having no problems. They are the 1/4-20 thread ones and fit perfectly.

 

[1mean02hd]

Hit up Fastenal or McMaster-Carr. I bought mine from Fastenal for like $5.