What is the torque for oil pan bolts on a Chevy 350?

For a typical Chevy small-block 350 engine, the oil pan bolts are torqued to about 10 ft-lbs (roughly 14 N·m).

Understanding the standard torque

On most Chevrolet small-block 350 engines, the standard oil pan bolt torque is around 10 ft-lbs. This low torque helps seal the gasket without bending the pan. However, the exact specification can vary slightly depending on the pan material (steel vs. aluminum) and gasket type. Always verify the exact value in the factory service manual for your specific year and model.

The following list provides the core guidance and practical steps for applying that torque correctly.

• Standard torque value: 10 ft-lbs (approximately 14 N·m) for most Chevy small-block 350 oil pan bolts.


• Fastener material and pan type: Steel bolts with cork or rubber gaskets are common; aluminum pans or aftermarket gaskets may have similar or slightly adjusted requirements as specified by the manufacturer.


• Torque pattern: Tighten in a crisscross sequence in small increments to ensure even gasket compression and prevent warping.


• Post-install considerations: Some gaskets or pans may require re-torquing after engine run-in and cooling. Follow the manual if it calls for this step.

In practice, following a crisscross tightening sequence and finishing at the recommended torque helps ensure a leak-free seal and avoids pan distortion. If the exact spec isn’t clear for your particular vehicle, check the official GM service information for your VIN.

Model/year and material variations

Variations can occur between different model years, trucks, cars, and marine applications that use the 350 engine. While the common target is around 10 ft-lbs, some configurations with aftermarket or specialty gaskets/pans may specify slightly different values. When in doubt, consult the exact factory service manual or gasket manufacturer guidance for your configuration.

Practical tightening steps

To apply torque safely and effectively, follow these steps:

• Prep: Clean bolt threads and mating surfaces; apply any recommended lubricant or thread conditioner per the manual.


• Hand-tighten: Start all bolts by hand to avoid cross-threading.


• Initial pass: Tighten in crisscross order to about 5-7 ft-lbs (7-9.5 N·m).


• Final pass: Finish at 10 ft-lbs (14 N·m) in the same crisscross sequence.

Summary: The typical torque specification for Chevy 350 oil pan bolts is about 10 ft-lbs, with a crisscross tightening pattern and attention to the specific pan and gasket design. Always confirm with the exact service manual for your vehicle to account for any variations.

Summary

For most Chevrolet 350 engines, tighten oil pan bolts to roughly 10 ft-lbs (14 N·m) using a crisscross pattern. Verify the exact specification for your year, pan material, and gasket type in the official service manual to ensure the best seal and prevent damage.

How much torque for oil pan bolts?

The torque for oil pan bolts varies significantly by vehicle, with common ranges between 7 and 12 ft-lbs for smaller bolts, but you must always check your vehicle's service manual for the exact specification. Overtightening can cause damage like deforming the pan or cracking the gasket, so it is important to tighten bolts evenly in a cross pattern to avoid uneven stress. 
This video shows how to torque oil pan bolts on a Chevrolet Cruze: 48sAuto Repair GuysYouTube · Jul 16, 2019
General guidelines for torqueing oil pan bolts

• Consult the service manual: This is the most critical step, as torque specifications are highly vehicle-dependent. 
• Tighten in a cross pattern: To ensure the pan is sealed evenly, tighten bolts in a crisscross pattern, gradually increasing the tightness. 
• Do not overtighten: Overtightening can warp the pan, deform the gasket, or crack the oil pan itself. 
• Use the correct torque wrench: For lower torque values, you may need a torque wrench that measures in inch-pounds or Newton-meters, as many standard foot-pound torque wrenches are not accurate at the low end of their range. 

This video shows how to torque oil pan bolts on a BMW: 59sAuto Repair GuysYouTube · Apr 20, 2021
Example specifications

• Smaller bolts: Often require a low torque, such as 7-9 ft-lbs or 10 Nm, depending on the bolt size and vehicle. 
• Larger bolts: Bolts connecting the pan to the transmission may have higher torque specifications and should be tightened according to the manual. 
• Specific examples:
  • Some 1/4 inch bolts are rated at 7 ft-lbs, while 5/16 inch bolts are rated at 12 ft-lbs. 
  • The Chevrolet Cruze 1.8L engine uses a 12 Nm spec for its oil pan bolts. 

What is the torque spec for FEL Pro SBC oil pan gasket?

For a Fel-Pro SBC oil pan gasket, tighten the 1/4-inch bolts to 7-9 ft-lbs and the 5/16-inch bolts to 11-12 ft-lbs. Always tighten bolts in a crisscross pattern to ensure the gasket is compressed evenly, which prevents distortion and leaks. It is also recommended to use new pan bolts and lock washers for all applications, and to replace any bolts shorter than 5/8" with longer ones. 
Torque specifications

• 1/4" bolts: 7-9 ft-lbs
• 5/16" bolts: 11-12 ft-lbs 

Installation tips

• Replace hardware: Fel-Pro recommends replacing all pan bolts and lock washers. 
• Use new bolts: If any bolts are shorter than 5/8", use longer ones. 
• Tighten evenly: Tighten all bolts in a crisscross pattern to avoid deforming or cracking the oil pan and to ensure the gasket compresses evenly. 
• Use RTV sparingly: Only use RTV sealant at the corners and any stepped joints where there are gaps. Do not apply it to the entire gasket, notes Fel-Pro. 

What are the torque specs for a 350 Chevy?

Chevy 350 torque specs vary by component, but key examples include: cylinder head bolts at 656565 ft-lbs, connecting rod bolts at 454545 ft-lbs for 3/83 / 83/8" bolts and 353535 ft-lbs for 11/3211 / 3211/32" bolts, and main cap bolts at 707070 ft-lbs for 222-bolt or 7/167 / 167/16" 444-bolt inner caps and 656565 ft-lbs for 7/167 / 167/16" 444-bolt outer caps. Always refer to a service manual for your specific engine year, as these can differ, and use the specified lubricants or thread lockers for each part.
 
Key torque specifications for a Chevy 350

• Cylinder Head Bolts: 656565 ft-lbs. Some sources recommend a multi-stage process, starting at 303030 ft-lbs, then 454545 ft-lbs, and finishing at 656565 ft-lbs, especially for older engines. 
• Connecting Rod Bolts: 454545 ft-lbs for 3/83 / 83/8" bolts and 353535 ft-lbs for 11/3211 / 3211/32" bolts. 
• Main Cap Bolts:
  • 2-Bolt: 707070 ft-lbs. 
  • 4-Bolt (Inner): 707070 ft-lbs (for 7/167 / 167/16" bolts). 
  • 4-Bolt (Outer): 656565 ft-lbs (for 7/167 / 167/16" bolts). 
• Intake Manifold Bolts:
  • With Cast Iron Heads: 303030 ft-lbs. 
  • With Aluminum Heads: 252525 ft-lbs, followed by a final torque of 30−3530 minus 3530−35 ft-lbs. 
• Flywheel/Flexplate Bolts: 606060 ft-lbs with thread locker. 
• Spark Plugs: 15−2515 minus 2515−25 ft-lbs. 
• Oil Pan Bolts: 121212 ft-lbs. 
• Oil Pump Bolt: 60−7060 minus 7060−70 ft-lbs. 
• Cam Sprocket Bolts: 18−2018 minus 2018−20 ft-lbs. 

Important considerations

• Lubrication: Apply the specified lubricant, such as engine oil or thread locker, to fasteners before torquing to ensure accuracy. 
• Multi-stage tightening: Many components, especially cylinder heads and main caps, require a multi-stage tightening process in a specific pattern to ensure even compression and prevent warping. 
• Service Manual: Always consult a service manual for your specific engine's model year to get the correct specifications and procedures, as they can vary. 

What is the torque on the SBC 350 oil pan bolts?

The torque specification for Chevy 350 oil pan bolts is 12 ft-lbs. However, it is recommended to use a torque wrench that can accurately measure in the 10-15 ft-lbs range and to tighten the bolts in stages, working from the center outwards, to ensure a proper seal. Some sources suggest a range of 7-9 ft-lbs for smaller (1/4-inch) bolts and 12 ft-lbs for larger (5/16-inch) bolts. 
General torque specs

• Oil pan bolts: 12 ft-lbs. Some variations exist, with some specs calling for 7-9 ft-lbs for 1/4" bolts and 12 ft-lbs for 5/16" bolts. 
• Torque sequence: Tighten in multiple stages, starting with the four corner bolts and then working your way in a crisscross pattern. 
• Repeat: Go around the pan two or three times to ensure all bolts are properly torqued and that no single bolt is overtightened. 

Important considerations

• Over-torquing: Overtightening can squeeze the gasket too much, which can cause leaks. 
• Gasket: Use a one-piece gasket and consider adding a small dab of RTV sealant at the corners and other areas where the gasket meets a stepped surface. 
• Torque wrench: A torque wrench is recommended, especially for lower torque values, as over-tightening with hand tightening can lead to gasket failure. 
• Drain plug: Ensure the oil drain plug is also tight enough after all the oil pan bolts are torqued.