[chuckies76ta]

Originally Posted by Lidpainter

Looks like I found the issue. Those who said bolt heads too tall probably nailed it. New bolt up top, old bolt on bottom.

Good to see you found the issue. I think I used the Chrysler ARP flywheel bolts. Been a long time.

[geeteeohguy]

Originally Posted by GtoFM

OK, who's the sadistic ba$turd that designed this? "Yeah, I know we can engineer the flywheel and flexplate to use a standard bolt, but let's have some fun".
So, tell this ignorant, backyard mechanic, what's the reason for the special bolts? There's gotta be a reason.

It's physics. To dish the flywheel enough to clear thick heads, it would have to be much thicker. More $$$ and more weight. To keep the whole assembly compact as possible, shallow headed bolts are used, and have been for 90+ years.

[lust4speed]

The real crime here is countless people have called and written to ARP telling them their flywheel bolts won't work for Pontiac. Not only do they not make the correct bolt but they continue to advertise and sell the standard head bolts to unsuspecting buyers.

[Joe-Touring]

Hmm I am currently using ARP flywheel bolts, I’ll have to inspect em next time I pull the engine. Is this issue mainly with factory flywheels? I do have an issue sometimes shifting into first, every so often, much harder to shift into first at a stop. Rolling no issue

[track73]

You can remove the trans, bellhousing and pressure plate and check the witness marks on the springs on the center of the disc. When I first saw that I took my 4 inch hand grinder and took off about 1/16th or less off the bolt face. When I changed engines I used the Mr. Gasket bolts.

[Lidpainter]

Want to thank everyone for their input. Moved the car under its own power today for the first time since the mid-late 1980s I believe. Certainly the first time since I’ve owned it.

[geeteeohguy]

Originally Posted by lust4speed

The real crime here is countless people have called and written to ARP telling them their flywheel bolts won't work for Pontiac. Not only do they not make the correct bolt but they continue to advertise and sell the standard head bolts to unsuspecting buyers.

Several years ago there was a rash of ARP head bolts for Pontiacs that were just a shade too long. They would bottom out at the proper torque setting but not clamp the head. Resulting in blown head gaskets.
I always use factory fasteners. Head bolts, etc. Never had an issue running them for over 45 years in all my Pontiacs. If they check out ok, they get cleaned up and re-used.

[GtoFM]

Originally Posted by geeteeohguy

It's physics. To dish the flywheel enough to clear thick heads, it would have to be much thicker. More $$$ and more weight. To keep the whole assembly compact as possible, shallow headed bolts are used, and have been for 90+ years.

OK, I'll buy that. Thanks for the explanation.