Posted By: B1CUDA
Hemi 99 Owners.......Take a look...... - 08/22/11 11:32 PM
I haven't really had any major issues with this motor(Other than not being able to play with it, as much as I wish I could), since making the decision to go this route, instead of the wedge based stuff. One issue that I have had, is that I have had rocker shaft bolts, completley back out of the stand, obviously resulting in rocker/pushrod damage. It has been as if someone has put a socket on the 12 point head, and backed it out. (I was told to torque these at 25 ft. lbs) Sounds crazy, but, there is no other explanation. Well, after a long phone call today with a very well known Mopar Pro Stock engine builder, I found the problem. I have, apparently, been using the wrong 5/16 12 point bolts for my rocker shafts. Nobody ever said a word to me, mind you, I have had two very well known engine builders put their hands on this motor. In fact, one of these "gurus", put these bolts on it! 
Apparently the correct bolt to use, is an ARP 2000, that is only available through Jesel. (The new torque spec is 35 foot lbs., for these ARP bolts) I am familiar with the ARP 2000 stuff, as far as rod bolts, etc., but, never knew they made them as little as 5/16. I was able to get a ton of these from this engine builder, as I think he felt sorry for me. 
I was told that just about every Hemi 99 motor has, or will have the issue that I was having, as the 170,000 psi 12 points (Whether American or Chinese made) will eventually lose their torque, and back out. From the way he made it sound, he didn't sound too surprised at my dilemma, which is a relief.
Just a little heads up to those of you that have this type of motor, as I would hate to see anyone kill their stuff. I have been very lucky, in the fact that I haven't really damaged anything that bad, but, I would hate to think what it would have been like, if I hadn't found this out.
I don't care what anyone says, Golf is so much easier.
Back to my cave......
Apparently the correct bolt to use, is an ARP 2000, that is only available through Jesel. (The new torque spec is 35 foot lbs., for these ARP bolts) I am familiar with the ARP 2000 stuff, as far as rod bolts, etc., but, never knew they made them as little as 5/16. I was able to get a ton of these from this engine builder, as I think he felt sorry for me. I was told that just about every Hemi 99 motor has, or will have the issue that I was having, as the 170,000 psi 12 points (Whether American or Chinese made) will eventually lose their torque, and back out. From the way he made it sound, he didn't sound too surprised at my dilemma, which is a relief.
Just a little heads up to those of you that have this type of motor, as I would hate to see anyone kill their stuff. I have been very lucky, in the fact that I haven't really damaged anything that bad, but, I would hate to think what it would have been like, if I hadn't found this out.
I don't care what anyone says, Golf is so much easier.
Back to my cave......
Thanks! 
When you get that thing running, make sure to watch that valvetrain like a hawk. I have heard lots of horror stories, in the way of severe flex & breakage with the 1st & 2nd generation heads (1 bolt & 3 bolt stands)