I also measured the main bolts diameters, and the main cap holes from 2 different engines. 1 Gm and 1 GEP.
Same. Well, sort of...
Main caps are 0.478-0.491. The gm engine caps were closer to each other’s and the gep were closer to each other.
If someone (
@WarWagon ) has a 6.2 around they could measure the inside of the cap holes to make sure they are the same just to end future questions...
But all the holes in the maincaps are the same within 1 thou.
Note the newer gm and gep using the smaller outside bolts on caps 2,3,4 are still the larger size holes.
The main bolts: although it is obvious they tried to make them the same- there was a noticeable variance.
0.465 to 0.47 when I only measured 3 bolts and didn’t have time to invest. I went back- measured 2 full sets and a few loose ones left around from previous builds in the jic box. 0.450 to 0.475.
I have built a couple oddball engines that the mains weren’t captured like the 6.2/6.5 is, and the idea of better centering and holding main caps was solved by use of a centering washer.
But looking at how inconsistent gm and gep is with these bolts... and that they didn’t even bother with making new main caps for the smaller holes when they already had to go through the experiences of using smaller bolts on the outside of 3 caps - makes me not so panicked about bolt or stud diameter to main cap hole clearance. Even so, the more consistent clearance is achieved by the ARP main studs of the stock bolts. Because the one thing that is obvious is gm fits with a wide range of tolerances.
I am trying to find a copy of the ARP main stud instructions- as luck would have it mine is missing them. Gonna do a post on that separate shortly. But already left message at ARP and when they get back to me I will also ask about stud diameter to cap hole diameter- something I never gave a lot of thought to before.
But I never remember clearances super tight on any studded engine before. Its always been a light tap of the mallet to the cap and the slide off the studs with no issues. If they were all tight, if would be snug as heck going on or apart.