anyone here re-used their stock main bolts after rebuild?
 

let me know...

What motor are you putting them in ? If its a 700 HP monster thats gonna hold 8,000 rpm's for hours at a time then no, go with the best you can get ... if its a street car ... then sure you can. Just check them over good and make sure they weren't abused.

I didn't rebuild the bottom end, but I had all the caps off to check the bearings and I just put the stock bolts back in. No problems to date and I push her to 6k regulary. I don't know how much power I'm making. I figure somewhere between 280-295 at the wheels.

"seasoned" bolts actually torque better. Providing you are not running them near their stress limit. Main caps have to be re-torquebale ( not a word) so you can check with plastigauge etc..

I've re-torqued the bolts on my Chevy at least 4 times over 10 years, though it's hardly a fire breather.

Stock to mild motor no problem. Blown 347, call ARP for a new set after any significant use, they still can be torqued and re-torqued while assembling. And with studs you need to measure stretch not just torque.

I agree with the guys above. If you're building up any type of performance motor, definitely get yourself a set of ARP studs or bolts and have peace of mind - all for about $70 or so. However, if you're just rebuilding a mild 302 for the street, you should be fine.

Good luck,
E