OEM Headbolts no ETA, people still using Metric Blue bolts?

[ForcedFirebird]

If anyone is going to use a grade 12.9 generic socket head cap screw or similar then get plain black and remember re torque after a period of time before running and after heat cyling the engine some

...and same with ARP's.

[digger]

If anyone is going to use a grade 12.9 generic socket head cap screw or similar then get plain black and remember re torque after a period of time before running and after heat cyling the engine some

[roguetoaster]

Right, totally agree. I'm only asking because I've read several unpleasant reviews regarding the quality Victor Reinz headbolts.

I'm in a time crunch and would hate to order VR bolts just to find out they're somehow compromised (bent, uneven, etc.)

There is no way any of us can actually tell you if a set of VR bolts you get would be good or bad. VR may have several suppliers, and the product you end up with could be current or years old.

Small sample size, but all four times I've installed a cylinder head I used VR over the years, and I've not read of any problems with their bolts in BMW applications.

Normally, head bolts call for a super light application of 30w/specialist lube. YMMV, follow whatever manual you have says & what the hardware mfr suggests.

[ForcedFirebird]

VR is the only manufacturer offered by my vendor. used them countless times without an issue.

Same here. A long time ago someone posted that the VR bolts weren't straight by rolling them, but, I have been using them on a professional level for 13yr, countless m20's, never had a failure.

[citizen_insane]

Is this in recent memory? Just trying to gauge the timeline on the other reviews that I’ve read...

Do you apply lube to the threads, similar to ARP’s install instructions?

Thanks.

I would do it how the factory manual suggests doing it. Might also be a good idea to chase the threads in the block. Changing the friction between the bolt and the threaded hole can have a huge impact on bolt stretch, up to like 30%. This might be one of the reasons people have bad reviews of the bolts. If you oil a torque to yield bolted joint that wasn't designed for it, you shouldn't be surprised when the bolt snaps due to excessive strain.

[Zambuzan]

VR is the only manufacturer offered by my vendor. used them countless times without an issue.

Is this in recent memory? Just trying to gauge the timeline on the other reviews that I’ve read...

Do you apply lube to the threads, similar to ARP’s install instructions?

Thanks.

[e30austin]

VR is the only manufacturer offered by my vendor. used them countless times without an issue.

[Zambuzan]

There was a thread on this 1-2 months ago. Pretty sure there is no good reason to go away from a OE type of bolt in a stock config.

Right, totally agree. I'm only asking because I've read several unpleasant reviews regarding the quality Victor Reinz headbolts.

I'm in a time crunch and would hate to order VR bolts just to find out they're somehow compromised (bent, uneven, etc.)

[roguetoaster]

There was a thread on this 1-2 months ago. Pretty sure there is no good reason to go away from a OE type of bolt in a stock config.

[Zambuzan]

Only thing available right now is Victor Reinz headbolts... other OEM suppliers also have no ETA.

Are people still using/recommending Metric Blue bolts from McCaster? This will not be going in a boosted application..

Just to verity, which bolt is it exactly?

https://www.mcmaster.com/91502A239/ or https://www.mcmaster.com/91303A306/

Any recommendations would be appreciated!