Chevrolet Small Block V8 Torque Specs and Bolt Tightening Sequences
LATEST VERSION AS OF 3-19-98

You may not realize this, but every last bolt and nut in your car has a recommended torque value. Many of these values can usually be "fudged" without harm, but when it comes to your engine, it pays to be careful. These values were obtained from a variety of sources, to ensure a degree of accuracy. Please note that some values have been "consolidated" - for instance, there are slightly different torque values for oil pan bolts, studs, and nuts across a ten year span - the differences are not enough to be significant, so only two values are given. Where it counts (such as intake manifolds), ALL values are given.

Component Torque Notes
Bellhousing Bolts 30 ft/lbs.
Camshaft Cover Bolts (rear) 20 ft/lbs.
Camshaft Sprocket Bolts 20 ft/lbs. Use of a locking tab recommended.
Carburetor Mounting Bolts Long: 7 ft/lbs.
Short: 11 ft/lbs.
Clutch Pressure Plate Bolts 35 ft/lbs.
Connecting Rod Cap Bolts 45 ft/lbs.
Crank Pulley Bolts 25 ft/lbs.
Cylinder Head Bolts 65 ft/lbs. Tighten in 3 step sequence. Use sealer on bolt threads. Values assume the use of oil on the underside of the bolt heads. Click HERE for sequence diagram.
Distributor Clamp Bolt 20 ft/lbs.
Exhaust Manifold Bolts 20 ft/lbs.
Flexplate/Flywheel Mounting Bolts 60 ft/lbs. Use of locking compound recommended. Tighten in a criss-cross pattern.
Flywheel Inspection Cover Bolts 7 ft/lbs.
Fuel Pump Mounting Bolts (Carb) 15 ft/lbs.
Fuel Rail to Intake Manifold Bolts (TPI) 18 ft/lbs.
Idle Air Control (IAC) Mounting '85-'89: 13 ft/lbs.
'90-up: 30 in/lbs.
Intake Manifold Bolts CARB:30 ft/lbs.
CFI: 25-45 ft/lbs.
TBI & TPI: "snug" torque - 89 in/lbs., final torque 35 ft/lbs. Tighten in 3 step sequence. Use sealer on bolt threads. See special instructions for TBI and TPI manifolds with sequence diagrams.
Carb Sequence click HERE.
CFI and TBI Sequence click HERE.
TPI Sequence click HERE.
Intake Runner to Manifold Bolts (TPI) 15-20 ft/lbs. Install all bolts finger tight. Start from the center and torque bolts from center out.
Intake Runner to Plenum Bolts (TPI) 15-20 ft/lbs. Install all bolts finger tight. Start from the center and torque bolts from center out.
Intake Throttle Body to Plenum Bolts (TPI) 18 ft/lbs.
Main Bearing Cap Bolts 70 ft/lbs.
Oil Filter Adapter Bolts 7 ft/lbs.
Oil Pan Bolts 5/16": 14 ft/lbs.
1/4": 7 ft/lbs. Install all bolts finger tight. No specific pattern, but end bolts should be tightened first.
Oil Pump Bolts '82-'84: 65 ft/lbs.
'85-'88: 70 ft/lbs.
'89-'92: 65 ft/lbs.
Spark Plugs 22 ft/lbs. Use anti-seize compound on threads and on beveled mounting surface, especially with aluminum cylinder heads.
Starter Mounting Bolts 37 ft/lbs.
Timing Cover Bolts 7 ft/lbs. Tighten in criss-cross pattern.
Throttle Body Injector (TBI) Unit Mounting Bolts 12 ft/lbs.
Torque Converter Bolts 27 ft/lbs.
Valve Cover Bolts (centerbolt and perimeter bolt designs) 4 ft/lbs. Do not over tighten - use of "load spreaders" is recommended.
Vibration Damper Bolt 60 ft/lbs.
Water Pump Mounting 30 ft/lbs.



Cylinder Head Bolt Torque Sequence



Torque in 3 steps to 65 ft/lbs.
Use sealer on bolt threads.



Carbureted Intake Manifold Bolt Torque Sequence



Torque to 30 ft/lbs.
Use sealer on bolt threads.



TBI & CFI Intake Manifold Bolt Torque Sequence



Torque to 25-45 ft/lbs.
Use sealer on bolt threads.



TPI Intake Manifold Bolt Torque Sequence

FIRST STEP - Snug Sequence: Torque specified bolts to 89 in/lbs. This will "rock" the manifold into place correctly.
Use sealer on bolt threads.



SECOND STEP - Final Torque Sequence: Torque bolts in specified order to final value of 35 ft/lbs.





©1998 Phil Parsons (The Best Damn Garage On The Net)

No reproduction allowed without consent of the author