VEHICLES, CAMPERS, and BOATS > Powerplant, Driveline, and Braking

Torque wrenches, Bolts, Torque to Yield

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Flyin6:
OK, I'm not far from diving into this LS motor I'm modifying in my Suburban

Up to this point I have remained old school, simply torquing fasteners to the proper "Tightness."

However we are in a newer age of torque to yield fasteners. You tighten the bolt to a given torque setting, then rotate it "X" number of degrees further to apply the required stretch to said fastener.

So I'd like to discuss the logic and good and bad in all of this

With respect to my LS engine, I could purchase inexpensive factory type bolts for less than $50, then destroy them in their one and only tightening. Or I could purchase some old school bolts and simply tighten them to the required torque and call it a day. The latter bolts seem to be quite spendy, raising interest in their cheaper counterparts

Then the question of the torque wrench comes to mind. I have the standard selection of beam deflection and click type wrenches in 3/8" and 1/2". But looking at these new angle finding torque wrenches, the cost gets up there PDQ.

So what is a good, not too expensive torque wrench that can stretch these LS bolts properly???

KensAuto:
Rather than buy a cheap angle meter style electronic wrench, (good ones are 350+), I would opt for a decent clicker style,  then a mechanical adapter to get the angle.  It can be a tight fit on the rear bolts but you can figure out a workaround.
...the 90 or 180 degree specs are pretty easy.
Possible for a guy to just mark the bolt and turn it 1/4 or half turn.
I'm sure someone will cringe at that statement,  but it does work in a pinch.
...I don't remember LS torque numbers tho.

These are the tools I used to use before they offered electronic torque wrenches for sale. 
The bottom snap on one cost me 6 bills back in the day.

Flyin6:
Ya, Ken, the prices were scaring me. I have decent click type, time for an upgrade and then add one of these to get the stretch:

wilsonphil:
Don, I recommend a good click type also if you want to stay reasonable on price, CDI which Snapon owns now makes ALL of the torque wrenches Snapon sells, CDI still has their own branded line that is sold thru many outlets McMaster being one of them.  You can get a CDI wrench from Mcmaster  30-150Ftlbs 1/2 drive for around $200

You could buy a used unit and have it sent out for Calibration or if you go the new route they should come ready to go with the NIST calibration.  The electronic units are nice as they have lights, sounds, and some have stick shaker function so you would feel right at home. 

Flyin6:
Stick shaker...

If you only knew

Next thing you hear the electronic man say is:

"Don't sink, Don't sink"

I like that route. Click type, goodin' and the angle wheel of bolt death.

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