C2 m21 torque specs

[Joe Gushen]

1966 BB roadster

I am reinstalling my M21 after replacing a bad case. I am fearful of overtorqueing or undertorqueing the 4 large bolts that goes from the ears of the transmission into the bell housing.

I don't want to strip the aluminum or crack the ears off.I've seen both.

What is the proper torque for these four bolts?

Is locktight needed?

Thanks
Joe Gushen

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 m21 torque specs

Joe----

The most important thing that you can do to avoid damaging or "snapping off" one of the transmission ears is to be sure that the transmission is fully seated against the bellhousing before you tighten or torque the bolts. DO NOT use these bolts to "pull in" the transmission because you otherwise have difficulty seating it. You must seat the transmission FULLY first, then tighten and torque the bolts. Using the bolts to "pull in" the transmission is the act that causes virtually all of the "snapped off" ears you may see.

The torque for these bolts is 55 lb/ft. Also, there is a lockwasher used. However, to avoid damage to the soft aluminum transmission case ears, I always use a hardened flat washer between the ear and the lockwasher. I realize that it's not original, but that doesn't stop me. No locktite is needed. However, if you wish, you can forget the lockwasher, use the hardened flat washer, and use Loctite 242 on the bolts. This will give you MUCH better locking of the bolt than any lockwasher.