From an engineering standpoint - the torque spec relates the desired clamping force to the friction between the threads - it is a function of (A) the material of the nut and the stud and (B) the state of lubrication between the nut and the stud. Generally speaking, however, the quality and level of heat treatment or alloy content of the steel doesn't affect the friction coefficient.
What the torquing does, therefore, is create the clamping force. Having higher- or lower-strength nuts (as long as they are steel) wouldn't change the relationship between torque and clamping force, though it would change the maximum clamping force that can be obtained, for if the nuts are too soft they will fail before the full clamping force can be realized.
Therefore, to create the clamping force you need one has to torque to the factory specification, and here's hoping that the stainless acorn nuts have the strength to take the torque.
Usually, btw, stainless steel has a lower tensile strength than the grade 8 nuts originally spec'ed, which means there is a chance you could fail the nuts at the factory spec, though you should still attempt to torque them to that spec. Max and I think Kanter both sell chromed, not stainless steel, acorn nuts.
Stainless steel versus Grade 5 and Grade 8This Post was from: https://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?post_id=236273