Torque sequence for head bolts on a 1974 Chevy small block 400?

Answer 1

You have a series of bolts, that would be under the valve covers, which stagger up, and down. Then you have a row, that run along the outside botton, below the exhaust ports. These will be the "lower" bolts, and the previous, the upper. On the uppers, right in the middle, start there. Then, go to the upper, just to the right. Now, on the lower, you will not have one centered, so start on the one just to the right, then move to the one just to the left, on the lower. Then, to the upper, just to the left, of the center. Now, upper, two to the right of center. Then lower, two to the right of center, then the same on the lower two, to the left. Then the upper, two to the left of center, then three, to the right of center, then three to the right of center, on the lower, and three to the left center, lower. You will notice a circular pattern here. Just follow it. Remember to use Permatex, the brown liquid, on the threads, as these bolts go into water jackets. Also, go halfway to torque, first round, then the rest of the way, on the second round, then go back over them a couple of times. Unless you spring for the no-retorque head gaskets, re check them around 1000 miles.