Head bolt torque
 

I have an 86 1/2 NA 5sp with another blown head gasket. I have heard that people are using head bolt torque setting of 68-70 lb-ft instead of the factory 58 lb-ft, is this a good setting? I checked with Toyota and they did not have any service bulletin for this new torque setting. Also for head bolts are most people cleaning and re-using, replacing or going to the expensive ARP stud kits?

Always use new bolts ($40 from Toyota) when the head is going back on. Use motor oil on the bolt threads.

72 lb ft of torque seems to be the 'universal' setting these days. It's enough to work good (eliminate BHGs), and not too much to cause any damage, or break a bolt.

Or you can spring for some after market studs. Just do a search here and you'll find a few threads on this. Use their lube on the threads, and torque th their specs.

Why do you advocate using motor oil on the threads? A good moly lube with a high % of moly has a LOT less friction under the very high contact stress of the threads and under-head areas. Less friction means higher preload and less preload scatter. ARP supplies a good moly lube with their bolts for good reason.

You have a lot of Supra knowledge, so I'm curious about the oil reco.

i believe its because different companies moly lube applies different torque to each bolt

i don't know the fancy words for it but i think that's it?
anyone else? lol