Rod Bolt Torque Adapter Tool

Mountune is very pleased to announce the introduction of the Mountune Rod Bolt Torque Adapter. Similar tooling has been used to final torque thousands of rod bolts in various racing applications. The Mountune adapter will allow the engine builder to simultaneously measure rod bolt stretch and final rod bolt torque. Available in both 7/16" and 1/2" socket sizes, specify when ordering.

Aftermarket connecting rod manufacturers are unanimous in instructing the engine builder to final torque the rod bolt in one smooth motion to the final torque spec without stopping. The following quotes are from various connecting rod manufacturers:

Pull to recommended pre-torque and then pull to the final torque in one full movement. Remember to pull in one full motion.

Pre-torque to 20% of the total required torque and then in one smooth motion, torque the bolt to the final torque spec without stopping.

Tighten all rod bolts to the listed torque spec in one smooth pull. Do not tighten in steps or increments.

Tighten rod bolts in one gradual pull to final torque. Do not tighten in steps.

The Mountune adapter will eliminate step or incremental torquing of rod bolts. The builder will no longer have to "chase the stretch" to achieve the desired result. The above tightening procedures could lead to a twist or torsional failure of a rod bolt. Stiction is to be avoided at all costs when final torquing rod bolts. The Mountune adapter accomplishes this in one easy step, as the rod bolt stretch and final torque are measured at the same time.

The Mountune adapter eliminates the need to torque a rod bolt, remove the torque wrench, install the rod bolt stretch gauge, and then measure the stretch. If the bolt has not reached the desired stretch, the builder is forced to repeat the process. Ideally, the builder should not step-torque the rod bolt at this stage to achieve the desired stretch. This timely process is eliminated with the Mountune adapter plus the builder is using the correct rod bolt tightening procedure as recommended by all aftermarket connecting rod manufacturers.

The Mountune adapter will is a real timesaver and pays for itself in just a few engine builds. The builder will be able to deliver a level of accuracy to his customer in a shorter time frame than was possible using traditional torquing techniques. A final bonus is the elimination of any potential rod bolt failures caused by step or incremental torquing.

The Mountune adapter can be used with most commercially available rod bolt stretch gauges. For the purpose of demonstrating the Mountune adapter, the ARP rod bolt stretch gauge (Part #100-9942) will be used. In order to use the Mountune adapter correctly, please review the instruction sheet at the link above.

The Mountune adapter is designed to fit the majority of 4- and 6-cylinder inline engines, most V-6 and V-8 domestic and foreign smaller to medium-sized cubic inch engines and current Corvette LS engines. While every attempt has been made to make the Mountune adapter as universal as possible, there may be some applications where the Mountune adapter will not fit. Contact Mountune if the adapter does not work for your application.