Ebay know-it-alls...
Turbo Mini Forums

So, I noticed a need, and offered a solution, in selling a well thouight-out and developed kit for fastening the trans to the engine which I sell on the fleabay...

This is the best question I've ever recieved by far:

Q: Gentlemen: Like your detailed description of the Engine-to-gearbox bolt kit you are offering. One should use Grade 8 hardware on the engine anyway, and the larger 5/16 in. D bolts definitely offer more strength. Missing was any discussion of torquing the fasteners, often hard to do with Allen or socket-head configurations in that location. Sincerely, Bill





So I greeted him with this answer, and am waiting for a response!




A. Good day Bill, Thanks for your interest. Whilst you make valid points about using grade 8 boilts, our fasteners are superior to Grade 8 as you are no doubt aware. Sure, they are not superior to 5/16 grade 8 which do offer incresed strength, but I personally believe these to be overkill - but you clearly have a different opinion. I would be interested th hear your thoughts on the surface yeild strength of the alloy transmission case in comparison to the 'potential' of grade 8 5/16 fasteners, especially given you have a much reduced surface area due to a larger hole than a 1/4" fastener, again look at the big picture and you'll (know?) realise that the fastener faces are on the casting draft, not on a spot-face, which again affects the surface yeild of the alloy housing. Considering 'Fastener strength alone' is far from addressing the whole picture.
Also consider that you clearly also have the ability and ease to (accurately) drill and tap your block, and tube dowel at to 5/16, along with your gearbox; Not everyone does. Your comment on the lack of discussion arising from torquing cap (allen) heads comapred to hex is interesting - as I am yet to see how you're able to accurately torque all head fasteners - especially 1/2" AF grade 8 fasteners with a torque wrench in a mini installation. For myself - I torque cap heads with a convenient 12" piece of tube over the allen key and a calibrated fishing scale. It doesn't get any easier or more accurate than that. Finally, lack of discussion is because this isn't a forum - its an auction!
Hopefully this answers your concerns. Regards, Dave




So, Who is the greatest "know it all" LOL

Edited by turbodave16v on 8th May, 2009.

PMSL

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fusion-Fabri..._homepage_panel

www.fusionfabs.co.uk



1/4mile in 13.2sec @ 111 terminal on 15psi

Miow!

If something is worth doing, it's worth doing half of.

Turbodave. You are the daddy!!!

Dave - Invest in a spell checker

Great reply though! Post up his response (If you even get one).

Am I right in thinking that high tensile bolts don't stretch as much lower torque levels are required to obtain the same clamping force.

Would spot facing the gearbox housing actually make any difference, does anyone do this?

Edited by Rob H on 8th May, 2009.

This is not one of the Bill's that are of high standing in the Mini Scene?

Dave,

I assume youve spotted somone else is selling an identical ally front plate to yours?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Mini-Engine-Light-AL...%3A1%7C294%3A50

Could be an autherised outlet, on the other hand they could be an un autherised outlet

It's not a UK 'bill' and fair play to him - he responed and agreed that there is a lot more than the bolt grade alone.

As regards the plates - they originated from me - he is a re-seller. I have no problem with that!

Love it :)

fair enough with the plates then,

the centre main strap bolts are a great idea!