LOL...why does something as simple as this have to be so 'difficult'???

OK, so here is the deal.

I've got the ARP 240-7301 bolts, that's the 5/16"-24 flexplate to converter bolt kit. The ARP site does NOT show installation instructions for this specific kit, however, the catalog does claim these are the 200K psi tensile strength bolts. Therefore, per the generic ARP recommendations, it sounds like these bolts should have an assembly torque of 28-32 ft-lbs. And this is where my difficulty stems from.

The stock Mopar assembly torque is 270 in-lbs, that is only about 22.7 ft-lbs. In my project car I have an aftermarket torque converter which is mated up to a B&M flexplate, so these are no longer stock components.

My question to you guys: what is the correct assembly torque I should be using with these bolts? Is the use of Loctite recommended as well? If so, what kind (blue or red)? I'm thinking of tossing the BLUE Loctite on there just to be safe...

Thanks!

Torque them to 23 to 25 Ft lbs,276 to 300 inch lbs and use the blue locktite

Go for it. Won't hurt a thing. Torque wrenches will/can vary that much.

As a FYI for anyone else wondering about this, I got an answer from ARP:

=== START ===
Dariusz
The torque specs for kit # 240-7301 is 28 ft lbs with the ARP ultra torque lube. If you want to use thread locker it would be 30 ft lbs. the color would be your choice.
RonF
=== END ===

When in doubt, Always Always Always follow the FSM [Factory Service Manual]. You do have one right????

LOL...yes, of course I do...keep in mind that even though this is going into my '80 Diplomat coupe, all the parts I'm using are non-OEM...so the FSM recommendation, while certainly valid for OEM parts is not quite right for aftermarket parts.

But yes, if the aftermarket is not providing the info, I use the FSM.

Thanks for posting the correct info.

That said, on several cars I have always just tightened them as much as possible using the modest sized wrench I could get in there. Never had a problem doing it that way.