Hi all doing rod bearings on my 03 S and have run into a head scratcher. I'm assuming it is correct but the ARP rod bolts im installing say to torque to 25 ft lbs and that's it seems awfully low for such a critical part. Not plus 50 degrees or anything and the factory rod bolts felt wayyyy tighter than that. Is that correct or is it 25 ft lbs to stretch the bolt then the factory spec. Also what is the rod bearing clearance I cannot find it anywhere. Thanks!

 

Can't help with that bearing clearances, but torque spec is correct, 25 ft:lb is what ARP specifies.

But..
While doing research early on, I found a 35 ft:lb spec also mentioned, don't know if this was a typo or they changed materials and therefore the spec.
This is JUST ME, but I did mine at 30 ft:lb to split the difference and have had no issues with the last 10k miles on that car.
Just wanted to put that out there, because of the same reasons, it just seemed like not enough.

 

Sounds good I suppose thank you for the reply not sure why no one has the clearance for.these engines because currently I'm sitting at a seemingly tight .0015 of clearance with standard size bearings. Seems awfully tight I would think.

 

I know with the thread lubricant that ARP suggests with their bolts, the torque is lower than stock fasteners due to the loss of friction. That lubricant was supposedly thoroughly developed to provide consistent and accurate clamping force.

 

No MINI engine experience but with other engines (Datsun 1.6l and a Chrysler 318 cid) 0.0015" clearance is about right. Street engines are spec'd with tighter clearances. Makes for a quieter and smoother running engine.

But you are right to want to know for sure.

I have a F56 factory manual and while it gives piston clearances I could not find anything on rod or main bearing clearances.

But this thread might be of some value to you:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ing-sizes.html

 

AS long as it sounds somewhat right to somebody I'm down to just run it. Appreciate the reply!