Thread: L32 Stock Connecting Rod Bolts

Does anyone know of where I could buy new stock connecting rod bolts for an l32? I cant find any place online or auto parts stores that have them. Will any other bolts work?

Best just to upgrade to arp bolts. But moreover, why are you replacing the bolts in the first place? And you can get the stockers from any gm dealership or try gmpartsdirect.com

Replacing rod bearings just started knocking on me. Im a college student and money is tight. would love to use the arp bolts but that $130 alone.

Originally Posted by chrisrexmandie

Replacing rod bearings just started knocking on me. Im a college student and money is tight. would love to use the arp bolts but that $130 alone.

I really don't want to be the bearer of bad news, but once the bearings have started knocking, there's already been irreparable damage to either the connecting rods or the crank. You'll be lucky if it makes it 500 miles before it starts knocking again. I've seen way too many people on this forum go through the same "repair" thinking that maybe they'll get lucky. I can tell you from firsthand experience with this engine, unless you're trying to make lots of power, it's better to replace the entire engine. For instance, you can pick up a fairly low mile 3800 at the junkyard for $150 or less on sale days. It's just not worth machine shop costs.

Besides the stock bolts are around $90 anyhow, and the hassle trying to do this while the engine is in the car is definitely not worth it.

I'm not trying to dump on you on this, I am a college student as well, and I've gone through this before. Both Billboost and I have engine removal methods that are easy to follow and that anyone with competency can accomplish. Plus, we're here with any questions you have as many of us have been right where you are. Good luck!

Im doing a rebuild on a 3800 series III 3.8. How can I change the rod bolts seeing they are held in by a sleeve that appears to be pressed in?

Had the same thing on my rebuild. They are pretty losely pressed in and a good whack with a hammer on the thread side will knock them loose. Stock replacements have those sleeves too and go in the same way in reverse. Hope that helps!