I'm posting in this topic because it appears to be the most "on-topic" per the subject.
I've added "Unfinished Business" to the subject line because it appears that there is yet to be a definitive answer regarding torque value for small-journal rods with 26 TPI bolts. Two numbers come up, 8.5 and 22 ft-lb, with no opinions about the in-between ground (that I recall seeing). The paltry 8.5 number just seems, uuuh, paltry. Then, 22, as indicated for post-'56, seems like a nice strong grip, but is it too much for a small-journal A7? Obviously, this is my first foray with small-journal rods. When I first did the A10, which had the original large-journal rods, I used 22, so, I'm hoping there is someone who can tell me what torque they used for small journals and 26 TPI bolts.
Whichever value I end up using, I plan to do a test fit while mic'ing the bolt length when slack and tight, then, confirming it returns to the slack length when loosened. This should confirm that the bolt is still in the elastic deformation range for the value I've chosen. Thank you, in advance, for recommending new rod bolts. I haven't settled yet on whether I believe it's necessary. A posted picture of a blasted crankcase due to bolt failure in an engine not raced by Muskrat might aid my decision.
Richard L.