ARP rod bolt install b18a
 

When installing these I know u need to resize the big end and get new rod bearings. But I had a couple questions:

1. Which bearings? Other than oem. Acl aluglide, King standard, clevite p?
I heard aluglides r for oem performance only and the only other option is RACE bearings.. Clevite is similar with P = aluglides and H = RACE.

2. Do crank bearings need to be changed or can I just leave it?

I really want to just buy the arp bolts. send my rods to the machine shop, install them into the motor with new rings and bearings and be done with it. And of course plastigauge.

This will be in a b18a1 unknown mileage for a mild turbo lsv build.

Re: ARP rod bolt install b18a
 

Honestly, I think the rod re-sizing is unnecessary. I just did this to mine. I measured the effort required to rotate the motor (Just pistons, rods, and crank, no head/valve springs) before and after the rod bolt install and it was identical.

If your bearings look good and dont have heavy wear or damage, I would just clean everything up, put some assembly lube or fresh oil on them, and put in the new rod bolts. The most important thing is to torque them to spec!

And another thing, plastigauge is only going to give you a rough bearing clearance measurement. It is more of a secondary tool. A good mic and bore gauge is what is required to get the perfect bearing clearances.

Re: ARP rod bolt install b18a
 

http://arpinstructions.com/instructions/208-6001.pdf

How bout the pressing and chamfering the tops?

I've also heard of the 1 by 1 method. Where u do 1 bolt at a time.

But how do u know if the rod cap got distorted? I heard its invisible to the naked eye.

And tq spec is 26lbs by arp, oem are 22-23 lbs. :thud:

Re: ARP rod bolt install b18a
 

Oh but I'll be putting new rings in so everything will be out

Re: ARP rod bolt install b18a
 

If this is too much trouble and $$. I'm thinking of just putting new rings in and reusing rod bolts and keeping stock redline. My motor as it is makes good power it just loses a bit of oil..

Re: ARP rod bolt install b18a
 

well turns out my oil pan gasket was hard as a rock. And my oil drain plug was also leaking a bit. The old one was stripped and I put in a oversized one but it still leaks. I'll try a new metal washer instead of the plastic one it came with