Rod bolts - a few questions and discussions Options

[ahdoman]

According to the experts it's imperative to replace the rod bolts when rebuilding. I've read the reason is because when they are torqued originally they stretch? Are they manufactured specifically to do that? If so, why wouldn't that make them weak? If reused why is that any different from reusing other bolts or parts under high torque? What's the science and logic behind this?

[ME733]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif) IN stock standard form the rod bolts..are internal shuffle pins.....AND stretch BOLTS . .try taking them out of the bottom cap. they are really in there. they just dont; fall out. Look closely at the rod bolt at the portion that is in the top (cap) of the rod. you will see some very minor (polishing) rub marks, indentations,...you know that part of the rod bolt is against (something) which is the inside of the top cap. the rod bolt is a bolt...and a internal shuffle pin . Bet you have never even seen a "914 porsche rod bolt failure....goes for 911 porsches also. (I am talking street cars) NOT RACE CARS.....ALWAYS replace the rod NUTS...rod bolts in a low rpm 914...stock...probably not REQUIRED. but like everything...everything new in a fresh engine will give you piece of mind that a failure is impossable.(usually). (IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif)