I'm in the process of turbo charging my 16i CVH. I've had all the block machining done and am now looking at putting it all back together with the new pistons etc. Obviously I don't want to cut a corner now that might cause problems later on.

I think the standard con-rod bolts are the same as RS Turbo ones, but how much power can they handle? I'm only looking to run around 165BHP - would these be OK or should I upgrade the bolts to ARP ones? If so where is the best place to get ARP bolts?

Also - I know the Ford head gaskets are supposed to be pretty good but should I use these with Ford head bolts? I've got a set of pattern bolts in the shed but don't know whether they'd be OK.

Cheers
Mark

 

You may aswell bung some ARP's in if you have the option, less likely to let go.

Most people recommend Ford/Payen bolts aswell but looking at realistically there can't be much in it, but then whats a set of bolts these days.....£10?

Up to you really

 

So the normal Ford ones are as good as ARP?

I've found some ARP bolts on Ebay but they're £65 quid which seemed expensive to me - here's a link http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ARP-ROD-BOLTS-...QQcmdZViewItem

If the Ford ones are as good perhaps I should just get some new standard ones.

Cheers
Mark

 

standard ford con rod bolts are good for 20 psi, but just to run 165 bhp you wont need to run that much boost (but you will proberly want to more bhp eventually) so i would go for arp just in case. as for the head bolts as long as there new they sould be ok imo

 

no you plank!

ARP's for the con rods.

Ford/Payen for the headgasket.

(you asked 2 questions)

 

Lol yeah but you only answered one question mate. Check out what you wrote - clear as mud

It makes sense now