Torque pattern (head bolts)

[Hossbaby50]

I was wondering if anyone has the torque pattern for tightening head bolts. I am going to be doing a set of head gaskets on a 79 400SBC today or tomorrow and need to know the pattern to tighten them down and also the torque I need to set the bolts at.

Any other tips for head gaskets? Thanks

Harley

 

[Z3PR]

Start in the center and work your way out.

 

[Ryan B.]

I believe the torque spec is 60-70 ft lbs.
I just did a cam and heads on a friends engine, couldn't find the torque pattern in any manuals he had laying around, or searching on the net, so i just torqued em to 65 ft lbs. from the center working my way out in a symmetrical pattern..
Also torque them like 30%, 60%, 90% and then 100% of their torque value to ensure they all get torqued evenly.

 

[pauly383]

Thats how me and my bro did mine , 40,000 miles ago . No problems whatsoever , been a good running motor and my DD/wheeler /forums/images/graemlins/k5.gif /forums/images/graemlins/k5.gif

OH , and Harley , use a Fel-Pro gasket set , they are complete and good quality /forums/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif

 

[Hossbaby50]

Fel-pro gaskets are the only gaskets I use on motors. I used all felpro stuff on my truck when I did the TPI swap.