<VV> oil filter and alternator mount bolts...

[mhicks130 at cox.net]

To do a proper analysis of the bolts you need to know the loads being applied and material properties of the aluminum and bolts.  Since I doubt we're going to find out what the loads are we can do some qualitative analysis.  We could estimate what type of aluminum is being used and compare the available strength in the threads in the aluminum with the strength of the bolts and if they're similar we're OK.  The thing that would worry me is the fatigue question.  Car fasteners are subjected to lots of cyclic loading, you wouldn't want the bolts to fail from fatigue.  Having said all that, I imagine that the stainless steel bolts would be fine but given that the grade 5 alloy bolts are probably cheaper and that this isn't a rust prone area, I'd stick with the grade 5.

mike