Where to buy Metric Blues?

[StereoInstaller1]

OK, so I have searched, could not find a mention of a specific store that sells MBs.

Anyone have a lead?

Thanks,
Luke

[backtrail69]

Here you go buddy. Quoted directly from the turbo e30 FAQ:


Q: What head bolts or studs should i use?
A: Metric Blue - grade 12.9 head bolts http://www.mcmaster.com/
Part Number 91303A306 $10.56 per Pack of 5. you will need 3 packs of 5.
also, use the washers from your old head bolts.

Material, Class 12.9 Blue-Coated Alloy Steel
Head Style, Standard
Drive Style, Hex Socket
System of Measurement, Metric
Thread Size, M10
Length, 150 mm
Hex Key Size, 8 mm
Thread Style, Standard Right Handed
Thread Length, Partially Threaded

Be careful with the Metric Blue 12.9 bolts as they don't come pre oiled, just put a thin coat on or they will most likely break due to oil at the bottom not being able to compress. I did this with one as well, it snapped at around 65ft-lbs. Also, what type of washers are you using? If you can salvage the stock ones from the stock head bolts, if not Mcmaster has some good thick ones as well. I torque my bolts to 65ft-lbs always now, just brush a thin coat of oil on the threads.

[StereoInstaller1]

Right on, man....thanks! AFAIK, ,my washers are stock and 100% useable.

MBs are only a little bit more money than stock, but re-usable, right? Awesome!

I wish to hell we had a decent search engine on this forum.

I will order in the AM. I wanna get my motor done.

I will be pestering all of the MS and turbo guys in the next few months.

Luke

[mode]

I find it hilarious that people use the term "Metric Blue".

[MR 325]

I wish to hell we had a decent search engine on this forum.

We do...

[matt]

I find it hilarious that people use those bolts.

[E30Idea]

I find it hilarious that people use those bolts.

Why is that? I was planning on using them. If you can enlighten me on a better set for the money and show me why..... I am all ears.

-Ryan

[matt]

Stock bolts or racewear studs. I have never seen a set of new stock bolts break (not that I keep up with turbo M20s too much anymore). "metric blues" are a solution to a problem nobody seems to have. Studs are stronger than stock bolts (it still doesn't matter) but they're reusable. I've never seen any proof that these metric blues are any stronger than stock either, especially torqued to 65ftlbs instead of torqued to yield like the stock ones. (yes, a fastener's strength depends on how it's torqued)

I have used a lot of McMaster hardware, and I think it's mostly garbage. I had a couple of grade 10.9 metric blue bolts I put in my guibo break clean in half. (I have the pieces on my desk)

[StereoInstaller1]

SO Matt, you have a real deal on these studs?

I have Visa card ready, but not for $200ish.

I got a set of SBC studs from ARP for $130 3 years ago...I understand "economy of scale" but shit...triple the dollars? Fuck that. Especially on my stock-but-gonna-see-8 pounds-of-boost-someday M20.

Gimme some answers, man...not just attitude.

Luke

[matt]

I would use stock bolts. You can use 10 sets for the price of the studs, and IIRC two sets for the price of the metric blues.

BMW does a lot of things right when they build their engines... the fasteners they spec are done that way for a reason.

I'm sorry if this is coming off as attitude, I'm trying to be helpful. (OK, that first post was attitude) But anyway, I have seen plenty of motors make a lot of power on the stock headbolts, so I don't think it's an issue. I would spend the money on tuning. $200 is two hours on a dyno around here. (I am assuming you're building a turbo motor here... if your motor is NA all the more reason to stay with the stock bolts)

[StereoInstaller1]

Bone stock to start, megasquirt first, then eBay turbo kit...unless I find a good deal on a log style kit like TCD or CarTech. I am aiming for 250 on the ground, so nothing extreme.

I hate stretching fasteners, but if that is the answer, I will do it.

Anyone have any experience with Metric Mechanic head bolts? They have a big write up on their site. About $120 IIRC on cost. They seem to think pretty highly of all their stuff.

It is a shame that ARP doesn't sell the M20 head studs. Those I can get at wholesale.

[mode]

The thing that scares me with the (wrongly named/blind leading the blind) "Metric Blues" is them threading directly into the block. That is ALOT of force on the poor block threads. A better solution is a stud, where the threads stay stationary, and you put all of the twisting force on a high strength nut.

[nando]

stick to stock for now. you can always upgrade to studs when you do your turbo...

[matt]

The thing that scares me with the (wrongly named/blind leading the blind) "Metric Blues" is them threading directly into the block. That is ALOT of force on the poor block threads. A better solution is a stud, where the threads stay stationary, and you put all of the twisting force on a high strength nut.

Well, yes... that's part of why all studs are better than bolts.

But for most applications, the stock bolts, when installed properly, are plenty.

I'm sorry, I don't have a source for any M20 studs. I suggest the stock bolts.

[mcr_driver]

The thing that scares me with the (wrongly named/blind leading the blind) "Metric Blues" is them threading directly into the block. That is ALOT of force on the poor block threads. A better solution is a stud, where the threads stay stationary, and you put all of the twisting force on a high strength nut.

Sorry to thread jack but this just happened to me on sunday...Was wondering if a helicoil or thread insert would work and where to get one specific for metric blues. tried looking online but i must be doing it wrong.