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Confused; header bolts - antiseize or thread locker or nothing?

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Old 01-19-2006, 07:58 PM
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Question Confused; header bolts - antiseize or thread locker or nothing?

Doing a header install this weekend. I tried to search, but for some reason it isn't pulling up any information regarding antiseize or thread locker. In the past, I've seen posts where people talk about using one or the other on their header bolts. Don't they serve two opposite purposes? I'm confused; which do I go with? Or do I not put anything on them? Thanks.
Old 01-19-2006, 08:02 PM
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Put antiseize on all header bolts. It prevents them from rust and from bonding to the block. Otherwise, after time, you'll have a lot of trouble getting them out again, especially if you use locktite, or any other kind of locking stuff.
Old 01-19-2006, 08:08 PM
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I would at least use antiseize on the bolts. some people use loctite if they know that is the only header they want to have on their car and want the best holding power, but it is not necessary.
Old 01-19-2006, 08:08 PM
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Antiseize is what I used and I haven't had trouble breaking loose the bolts when I removed my headers after 2 years. Don't use thread lock or you'll have some real trouble breaking them loose.
Old 01-19-2006, 08:09 PM
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Nothing here.
Old 01-19-2006, 08:14 PM
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Anti-sieze and check after 1 hour. Been running headers for 3 years no leaks.
Stock gaskets with copper spray
Hawk
Old 01-19-2006, 08:21 PM
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I would always recommend anti sieze when bolting steel
into aluminum. The factory header bolts have some kind
of stuff on the threads, I'm -guessing- maybe some kind
of teflon compound. Serves both purposes. Whatever it
is, I had a bitch of a time getting it off/out of a few bolts/
holes as a couple wanted to bind up tight before being
pulled in fully.
Old 01-19-2006, 08:21 PM
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Thanks for all the quick responses. How hard is it to get a torque wrench in there to torque them down? 18ft/lbs, right?
Old 01-19-2006, 08:23 PM
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Originally Posted by 227Hawk
Anti-sieze and check after 1 hour. Been running headers for 3 years no leaks.
Stock gaskets with copper spray
Hawk
Copper spray?
Old 01-19-2006, 08:25 PM
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Some I could not get too. But just snug them up pretty good.
Old 01-19-2006, 08:28 PM
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Originally Posted by Marc '99T/A
Thanks for all the quick responses. How hard is it to get a torque wrench in there to torque them down? 18ft/lbs, right?
I don't use any torque numbers for the bolts, just as tight as I can without hurting my self...So far so good! I don't know what the copper spray is, but I just use stock replacement gaskets and Stage 8 bolts.

I'd also recommend new plugs and wires...It's just a convinient time to do them.
Old 01-19-2006, 08:28 PM
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Look in the gasket sealer section of the auto parts. Permatex copper spray a gasket.
Spray both sides of each metal stock gasket.
Hawk
Old 01-19-2006, 08:29 PM
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18 pounds is right and work them from the center out.
Old 01-19-2006, 08:34 PM
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Thanks.
Old 01-20-2006, 01:35 AM
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Originally Posted by gwj
I would always recommend anti sieze when bolting steel
into aluminum. The factory header bolts have some kind
of stuff on the threads, I'm -guessing- maybe some kind
of teflon compound. Serves both purposes. Whatever it
is, I had a bitch of a time getting it off/out of a few bolts/
holes as a couple wanted to bind up tight before being
pulled in fully.
The factory bolts have threadlocker applied. GM recommends applying their own threadlocker to the threads. I have some and it is essentially red loctite.

Chris
Old 01-20-2006, 10:05 AM
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Originally Posted by mean02Z28
The factory bolts have threadlocker applied. GM recommends applying their own threadlocker to the threads. I have some and it is essentially red loctite.

Chris
I promise it's not as strong as red loctite. Have you ever used it before? Its beast.

I would NEVER use loctite on header bolts (or any other bolt that i could stand to have fall out). Would you rather remove a head to get out a snapped bolt, or reach down and tighten your exhaust?
Old 01-20-2006, 04:45 PM
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Installed mine with anitseize about 2500 miles ago. Torqued to 18 lbs haven't retightened yet but no leaks.



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