Ok to simply swap crank main bolts without removing caps?

[rabbid79]

Hi, I'd like to upgrade the main bolts in my 1.9 before I install it in my car.  I'm considering installing the factory main bolts from a PD-150 engine, or Raceware or ARP studs.  Right now the engine is on a stand.  Can I simply remove the stock fasteners, and install the upgraded units without removing the main caps/bearing shells, etc.?  What is everybody's opinion on the fasteners to use?  The PD-150 bolts run about $15 total from the dealer.  The studs run about $100.  My opinion is that if the PD-150 bolts can hold together under the extreme operating conditions of that engine, they should be more than adequate for my application.  Thanks for your input.

[theman53]

from my experience you could do it. I would recommend the studs for the best holding power. I don't know about the PD bolts someone else maybe, but I like your reasoning. While your there though why don't you just take a look at the bearings and plastiguage/replace them? Bearings are a cheap piece of mind   . Just food for thought.

[Turbinepowered]

Biggest advantage of the studs is that you don't have to replace them if you take the caps off at some point in the future.

Though with an $85 difference, you'd have to be swapping bearings and shells pretty frequently to make up the cost difference. Your choice, but personally I'd go with the studs out of preference.

[jimfoo]

Also, not all AAZ's had stretch bolts, at least mine didn't, in which case you can reuse them. Although I haven't looked at them yet, they seem to have held up to my engine running away.

[rabbid79]

Thanks for the input everyone.  It sounds like it should work out ok.  It's on a new engine, so bearings should be fine... unless someone knows of some really good aftermarket ones to put in.  The only problem with doing the PD-150 bolts will be finding someone who knows the correct torque to tighten them to.  Otherwise, that's the way I'm leaning.