Oversized stud or heli-coil?

[Kunker]

I stripped out a couple of the bolt holes on the back of the transmission last time I installed it, and now I've got to fix the mess. I figure I have 2 options - drill and re-tap the next size up and lock-tite studs in there, or fix it with a heli-coil.

Any opinions on which is better? Any drawbacks to the overside stud method?

 

[bradleyfitz]

I would helicoil. that way the bolts stay standard size and the threads are a bit stronger because the bolt is threaded into the helicoil instead of the soft aluminum.

 

[Kunker]

I would helicoil. that way the bolts stay standard size and the threads are a bit stronger because the bolt is threaded into the helicoil instead of the soft aluminum.

No problems with the ones in the buggy so far? My only concern with helicoils is the added cost you mentioned for the install tool last time I talked to you about it.

 

[bradleyfitz]

Yeah, there is that... I just borrowed one. The helicoils themselves weren't too expensive. I guess it depends on what the next size bolt is too. I think you usually remove a lot more material when you move up a bolt size.