Searched around for a while even double checked the chilton and all it seems to tell me is 27ft lbs and 1/4 turn. That extra 1/4 turn seems like a lot. I think I did maybe an 1/8th of a turn and set the torque wrench to 40 ft lbs and it clicked on that setting without any futher tightening. Has anyone found the exact torque specification for the stock rods? I remember doing 43ft lbs on my 4g63 motor with eagle rods and arp bolts. Just seems like having 40 ft lbs on stock rod bolts is a lot?

I've got 20ft-lbs and then another 90 degrees. I would NOT sway from this.

I've had opportunities to break down a bunch of bad engine cores. By far the bulk of them went because of the rod bolts failing. Strong recommendation to stay with the stock numbers (unless of course you are using arps) and if you have a high mileage engine, replacement of these (when you rebuild) would be recommended.

Captain Caveman

96 RS Turbo 11.414 @ 119.62 MSNS, Crower 2 NA cams, BW366, 10.5 comp, UDP, 60mm TB, W/A intercooler, 3.55 tranny 567.9whp 430tq
97 RS NA 13.188 @ 103.87 MSnS powered 12.5 comp, Crower 3's and 219.4whp with 175tq
98 RS DD 12.5 comp on stock ECU, LTH, Crower 2's, Koni, GC, Hypercoil, DG hats
99 OZ 5sp Stocker 15.856 @ 85.97
99 GS stocker auto 17.7@77mph!

wiki home page:http://www.2gnt.com/index.php?d=bullettdsm

Any recommendations on where I could buy new bolts? My dealer is pretty bad when it comes to prices, like most dealers. Would there be any place online I should look at?

The dealer shouldn't be that much for bolts. My local dealer here charged $0.60 per bolt, which amounts out to around $6 total price for all, but I will have to check again. The dealer is a pain for a lot of other things, but not bolts. Other than that i'm not sure where you could find bolts elsewhere. I suppose you could go to the hardware store and get automotive grade bolts than match length (look to be around 55 or 60mm ish) and thread pitch (fine 1.00 i believe), but i don't know if that'd be advised or not...never done it that way.

If your prices at your dealer are outrageous for bolts, I might be able to pick you up some here for the purchase price plus a couple bucks in shipping and send them your way. Just let me know.

-Ben
Black 1999 RS

Basic mods and a South Bend OFE-SS Clutch
~150bhp.....for now!

Sounds good, I'll post up how much they want. I would like to just get oem ones just for a better peace of mind .