Should headbolts be re-torqued?

[topless95]

As the title says, should the head bolts need to be retorqued when installing aluminum cylinder heads( ford racing x 303 heads) , and if so after how long?

 

[94 DropTop]

ive never heard of it

 

[BlkoutGT]

I have heard of it, and I was advised to do it, but both by peaple who are a little 'older'. Your supposed to do it after you start up
your engine and let it get to a good operating temp. then re torque them. Im not sure if its actaully needed on our engine, hopefully
someone knows for sure

 

[Steven]

its the lower intake that really needs to be retorqued. Use a set of ARP head bolts and never had to retorque heads

 

[95blackstang]

yes they are after the engine heats up to normal operating temp the bolts swell causing them to loosen slightly as they cool back down.