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Bolt Installation

Our recommended procedure for bolt installation is as follows:

Always use the included Extreme Pressure Lube # 3

Generously lube the under head of the bolt with EP # 3

Generously lube the threads of the bolts with EP # 3

Generously lube the internal threads of the connecting rod with 30 wt. motor oil

Hand snug bolts alternating from side to side, drawing the cap onto the rod uniformly

Seat the bolts to approximately 25 ft lbs

Torque to final specs or indicated stretch

For proper stretch, free length of each bolt must be recorded, and opposing bolt must have some preload on it

Compstar Rod Bolt Info

Compstar Rod Bolt Information

All of our Compstar H-beam connecting rods use ARP 2000 bolts designed specifically for the rod they are installed in. Underhead length, thread length, undercut diameter and length, and shank length all play an important role in the dimensional stability of the bearing housing.

If you need replacement bolts, they can be purchased direct from Callies or through any of our dealers at very affordable prices. We strongly recommend using the correct bolts that we have designed for our rods when doing bolt replacement maintenance. Using the wrong bolt is risking failure due to incorrect clamping load or thread engagement.

Extreme Pressure Lube #3 is the bolt lube that we use and recommend. It is available in 1/4 oz sample packs or 4 oz tubes through Callies. It also may be available at some local industrial supply stores. All torque information below is based on testing with various models and styles of torque wrench using EP#3 on the bolts, and oil on the internal threads.

Use of any other type of lube requires using the bolt stretch method for proper installation.

Small Block Chevy Applications:

Designation Style Thread Length Torque Stretch
6.000" HJ H-Beam 3/8-24 Thread 1.255" 60 ft lbs .0054"-.0057"
SBC H-Beam 7/16-20 Thread 1.450" 75 ft lbs .0047"-.0052"
SBC H-I H-I Beam 7/16-20 Thread 1.450" 75 ft lbs .0047"-.0052"
SBC HD I-Beam 7/16-20 Thread 1.450" 85 ft lbs .0047"-.0052"

LSX Applications:

Designation Style Thread Length Torque Stretch
LS1 H-Beam 7/16-20 Thread 1.450" 75 ft lbs .0047"-.0052"
LS1 H-I H-I Beam 7/16-20 Thread 1.450" 75 ft lbs .0047"-.0052"
LS1 HD I-Beam 7/16-20 Thread 1.450" 85 ft lbs .0047"-.0052"

Big Block Chevy Applications:

Designation Style Thread Length Torque Stretch
BBC H-Beam 7/16-20 Thread 1.700" 75 ft lbs .0065"-.0070"
BBC HD I Beam 7/16-20 Thread 1.700" 85 ft lbs .0065"-.0070"
BBC HD L-19 I-Beam 7/16-20 Thread 1.700" 92 ft lbs .0065"-.0070"