a local shop told me that you have to press these to install them correctly. is anyone familiar with this. i need to before i put together my new ls/vtec.

 

True. Then you need to check the out-of-roundness of the big end. Pressing new rod bolts in can have tendency to distort the roundness of the big end.

I'd say .0002" is the limit of out-of-roundness for the big end.

 

how do you press in bolts that thread in?

 

The shank portion of the rod bolt isn't threaded at all. It has to be press fitted into the rod.

Practically thinking about it, it shouldn't even be called a rod bolt...it's more like a rod stud and nut.

But, I shouldn't discount that you might not be using OEM rods. Aftermarket rods that I'm familiar with have all used rod bolts (ie: Eagle, Crower).

 

I have an extra set of arp bolts brand new. if your interested let me know. My dads buddy can have them pressed in and checked for roundness too.