Vargas crank hub bolt capture question

[MoreBoost]

Is it possible to fit the crank bolt capture to the car without removing inlets, fan etc?
I've not had a look yet. I don't have a lift but is it maybe possible to fit from under the car once the tray is removed? Anyone fitted one?

Thanks

 

[Twinz]

I did mine in 2017 and had to remove radiator fan and inlet for clearance. Working from the top was easier. Access from the bottom is hindered by the transmission oil cooler lines.

After removing the radiator fan and inlet check if the capture plate holes aligns up to the crank bolts. My Vargas capture plate did not fit at all...could have been a RHD issue...dont know.
I had to have the holes on the capure plate redrilled to match the crank bolts location. But other than that it was a straight forward install and glad i did it for peace of mind. And remember to TQ the new bolts to spec.

 

[MoreBoost]

I did mine in 2017 and had to remove radiator fan and inlet for clearance. Working from the top was easier. Access from the bottom is hindered by the transmission oil cooler lines.

After removing the radiator fan and inlet check if the capture plate holes aligns up to the crank bolts. My Vargas capture plate did not fit at all...could have been a RHD issue...dont know.
I had to have the holes on the capure plate redrilled to match the crank bolts location. But other than that it was a straight forward install and glad i did it for peace of mind. And remember to TQ the new bolts to spec.

Thanks for sharing your experience.
The fan sounds easy enough to remove. Not sure I can take off my inlet though.

I'm wondering are those lines to the transmission cooler actually coolant lines that can just be disconnected and then put back?
I don't really want to do this from under the car though to be honest. I worry about it falling off jack stands and crushing me.

I'm also right hand drive (UK) so hopefully my bolts will line up. Seems a bit of a lottery.

 

[KevinC39]

Yeah if you're not sure about how to use jack stands then I certainly wouldn't be crawling under the car unless I'm misunderstanding your concerns. However, I've done a diff swap, down pipe, cat back, and a clutch all on jack stands with no problems at all.

 

[MoreBoost]

Yeah if you're not sure about how to use jack stands then I certainly wouldn't be crawling under the car unless I'm misunderstanding your concerns. However, I've done a diff swap, down pipe, cat back, and a clutch all on jack stands with no problems at all.

I've used Jack stands plenty. I just always worry about physical failure like a weld letting go. Wouldn't take much to kill you. What a way to go.
It was more a concern when I did my transmission. I had a hot running exhaust inches from my face. Having that pin you down would be a horrific way to go.

 

[Chris@VargasTurboTech]

You’re definitely going to want to remove the fan/etc for ease of access.

 

[fmorelli]

There are a few things that can be done to increase safety on the ground.Certainly a decent set of jack stands that are beyond the weight limit with good welds, for starters. I like to keep a hydraulic jack under the car at a central point at one end for insurance.

I think a far more prevalent concern is that the car has been properly set on jack stands. Both placement of the weight distribution so that it won't teeter, that the jack stand lifts are securely positioned on the car, and that the jack is loaded vertically.

Filippo

 

[MoreBoost]

 

[mt_n54]

Off topic, but has anyone else experienced rusted crank capture bolts? I’ve only had mine on for 3 months and the bolts are already starting to rust.
Should I be worried?

 

[fmorelli]

Where are you located? Salt on the roads? Light coat of oil won't hurt the black oxide finish, I imagine.

Filippo

 

[mt_n54]

Where are you located? Salt on the roads? Light coat of oil won't hurt the black oxide finish, I imagine.

Filippo

I’m in Southern California so no snow or salt on the roads..

 

[MoreBoost]

I’m in Southern California so no snow or salt on the roads..

Well that sucks. I'm in England. Lots of salt on the roads and lots of rain. These dam bolts are gonna be toast.

 

[Torgus]

Off topic, but has anyone else experienced rusted crank capture bolts? I’ve only had mine on for 3 months and the bolts are already starting to rust.
Should I be worried?

replace them with bolts that will not rust?

 

[Chris@VargasTurboTech]

They're steel. Some surface oxidation is both harmless and completely normal. If it bugs you, wipe them down with a rag that has oil on it, or as Torgus suggested, you could replace them with a material that you prefer that does not oxidize.

 

[mt_n54]

They're steel. Some surface oxidation is both harmless and completely normal. If it bugs you, wipe them down with a rag that has oil on it, or as Torgus suggested, you could replace them with a material that you prefer that does not oxidize.

Ok.. Thanks for the reply.. I’ll clean them and lightly oil them..

 

[Ywph]

Hi guys bump but can anyone tell me the size full specs and or part number for the hub capture bolts. Please

 

[Torgus]

I am sure @Chris@VargasTurboTech can let you know the exact specs of the fasteners. Are you replacing them?

If surface rust bothers you get the same grade bolt in stainless steel:

https://www.mcmaster.com/fasteners
https://www.boltdepot.com
https://www.mscdirect.com/browse/Fasteners

 

[Ywph]

A customer ordered at a shop by me in Germany he doesn’t want it now but the bolts have gone walkies . I’m fittion on mine but no screws.

 

[Torgus]

Call VTT directly vs. waiting for a reply on the forums I would imagine would be the fastest solution.

 

[MoistNapkin]

My question is why does it fully encapsulate the bolt when it doesn't go under any kinda of stress aside harsh vibration? Wouldn't a metal disc work just as well, and also give you access to the bolt for use while walnut blasting?