DarkKnightRider

does anyone know of a good brand for locking header bolts for an LT1 in a 94 Trans Am..... i cant seem to find a single set.

96capricemgr

iTrader: (1)

Header bolts do not spontaneously loosen. They only loosen when the gasket compresses causing them to lose torque and then they loosen. Point being all you need to do is check them for tightness repeatedly for a week or two, don't bother spending extra money on bolts.

Your search for bolts will go much better if you just look it up as a smallblock chevy ignoring the whole LT1 thing.

buffman

iTrader: (9)

I recommend ARP stainless bolts. 12 point 5/16" head so you can get at them with a smaller wrench..

bombebomb

I used stage 8 locking header bolts. No clue how they will work because iv yet to have the car started for more then one minute.

jarretthise

iTrader: (9)

you can go with studs and then put a lock washer and nut on it!! you wont have any problems with it loosening up then..

DarkKnightRider

well my header bolts seem to keep backing out. dont know why. i have gone through 3 sets of header gaskets because of this.

jarretthise

iTrader: (9)

then go with the studs lol. you wont have this problem anymore

DarkKnightRider

i was lookin at the stage 8 locking header bolts. but i guess my real question is would header bolts from a SBC or LS based motor fit on an LT1.

DarkKnightRider

also if i wanted the studs where could i get em?

hyperzone

Curious also as to what size and type studs you other guys are using.

grossesexy

How often are you checking your header bolts? If you are heat cycling them a couple times, tightening them up, and they are still backing out after a week or two of that maybe your bolts aren't long enough? Is it both sides or just one?

jarretthise

iTrader: (9)

there are many brands and you could always go to a hardware store or autoparts store and buy some generic studs or something....studs are always nicer to use than bolts are...they dont wiggle out or off, seeing you should have a lockwasher behind the nut..

DarkKnightRider

im assuming there not long enough. but its super irritating.

SnakeOiler

iTrader: (6)

How long are they?
Are you getting them torqued properly?

Any of the following should do you well:

ARP bolts, 3/8˝ dia. bolt, 3/8˝ wrench, 1" length
100-1111 - black oxide, 6 point
100-1211 - black oxide, 12 point
400-1111 - stainless, 6 point
400-1211 - stainless, 12 point

you get them tight enough (20 ft-lbs), they will not come loose.

buffman

iTrader: (9)

as dwayne already said with new gaskets you have to check the bolts everytime you heat cycle the engine. You may be doing this for up to two weeks after installation. 1" long bolts should be more than sufficient.

Matt

DarkKnightRider

ok. so will header bolts for a gen 1 chevy motor work on a gen 2 lt based motor?

ThreeHonks

iTrader: (10)

https://ls1tech.com/forums/sponsor-group-purchases/1007535-p-e-r-c-y-s-s-p-l-i-t-l-o-c-k-h-e-d-e-r-b-o-l-t-s.html

Heres a thread in the sponsor sale section for the Percy's split-lock bolts. I am ordering a set of the stainless ones. I know locking bolts arent totally necessary but I just wan to have the piece of mind knowing they arent going to back out

SnakeOiler

iTrader: (6)

yes, they will

DarkKnightRider

ok guys thanks for all the help.

BizZzatch350

iTrader: (33)

I have run the ARPs for two years now with out a single issue.