LT1-LT4 Modifications 1993-97 Gen II Small Block V8

header bolt help.....

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Old 10-07-2008, 06:43 PM
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Default header bolt help.....

I just got my LPP stainless headers, and they look pretty nice, but now I need header bolts, what did you guys use since the flange is so thick?


I am thinkin it needs to be a 3/8" grade 5.....and needs to be about a 1-1/4" long right?
Old 10-07-2008, 07:11 PM
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I don't know about all the measurements, but from what I know Stage 8 locking header bolts are the way to go.
Old 10-07-2008, 07:23 PM
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im pretty sure a 1" header bol twould work
Old 10-07-2008, 07:59 PM
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use the ARp 12pt 1" long SBC bolt.. worked great on mine.. and every other one i've done..
Old 10-07-2008, 08:12 PM
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1" is long enough? I mean the flange alone is 1/2", then put in a gasket.....


I am not sure.....
Old 10-07-2008, 08:38 PM
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WOW, that is a thick flange. I'd think you'd need 1.25 bolts. Buy a standard Allen head bolt that's 1.25 inch UHL and see if if works. If yes, order a few packs of ARP 613-1250 stainless 3/8 bolts with 12 point heads. Sorry! You'll need three packs at $18.69 each!

Stainless steel 12 point bolts are the only way to go with headers. As deep as you can get them into the head. They won't loosen up if done right (read: good and tight). You won't need to fool with those PITA Stage 8's.

You are going to use copper header gaskets, right?

Last edited by Paul Bell; 10-07-2008 at 09:04 PM.
Old 10-07-2008, 08:54 PM
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I am using the fiber gaskets, but puttin some kinda copper stuff on em my buddy gave me
Old 10-07-2008, 09:11 PM
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go with mr gasket or copper gaskets dont put no goo on em
Old 10-07-2008, 11:17 PM
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http://www.jegs.com/i/Mr.+Gasket/720/957G/10002/-1#

anyone try using allen key header bolts?
Old 10-08-2008, 12:13 AM
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hmmm, it'll be tough to get the wrench onto a few of those bolts as some of the tubes pass pretty close to them. Worth a try though, plenty less money than the ARP kits. I'd also worry about stripping the Allen sockets, stainless can be pretty soft especially after heating and cooling cycles. Can't go wrong with the 12 points but if it can be done for less bucks, go for it.
Old 10-08-2008, 12:25 AM
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Originally Posted by LT1 > LS1
http://www.jegs.com/i/Mr.+Gasket/720/957G/10002/-1#

anyone try using allen key header bolts?
Not sure about the headers you have, but because the engine bay is cramped, using those would probably be more of a hindrance than anything.
Old 10-08-2008, 12:55 AM
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A lot of people have had success with even 3/4" bolts. 1 inch length is plenty for these headers.
Old 10-08-2008, 12:46 PM
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The whole thing about header bolts on any engine is to get them threaded into the head as deep as you can. This will reduce/prevent them from backing out. I'd say that as close to three-quarters of an inch thread engagement into the head is needed. One inch bolts through a half inch header flange would only sink it into the head a half inch. They'll back out. Natch, a three-quarter inch bolt on the OP's headers will result in a quarter inch engagement. He'll strip the threads in his heads before they're tight enough,

An inch and a quarter bolt should do the trick.
Old 10-08-2008, 01:13 PM
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I used 1" stainless steel Breslin Split Lock bolts on my Kooks. I believe Percy's makes them now as the Breslin founder passed away. If you want a locking bolt, those are a much nicer design than Stage 8's. They actually won a few engineering awards. I've never actually heard of anyone using anything longer than 1". 3/4" would be too short, imo.
Old 10-08-2008, 01:20 PM
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1" inch locking header bolts is the ticket
Old 10-08-2008, 01:49 PM
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Originally Posted by Paul Bell
hmmm, it'll be tough to get the wrench onto a few of those bolts as some of the tubes pass pretty close to them. Worth a try though, plenty less money than the ARP kits. I'd also worry about stripping the Allen sockets, stainless can be pretty soft especially after heating and cooling cycles. Can't go wrong with the 12 points but if it can be done for less bucks, go for it.
I have access to those hexes with the ball end, so you can turn them while on a pretty steep angle. plus if it strips, I got 4 extras I can use in that kit.


they look like this

http://www.chinatraderonline.com/Fil...3400026982.jpg
Old 10-08-2008, 01:53 PM
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I ordered some to. Would have been nice if they would have supplied them with the headers.
Old 10-08-2008, 01:54 PM
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I don't think I would use an allen bolt like that, unless it would also accept a conventional wrench, but that's just me.
Old 10-08-2008, 01:55 PM
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The Breslin bolts I mentioned earlier are also 12 point. I had to grind down a 3/8" wrench to get on some of them. I think ARP makes a 1" stainless bolt with a 5/16" head.
Old 10-08-2008, 01:57 PM
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the problem is, with the large bolt head, it gets difficult to get a wrench on there next to the middle primaries.

you can only use a socket on a select few bolt holes. the primaries, are just there in the way a lot. I know with the hex wrench or socket, they are long and skinny and can get up inbetween primaries without a issue


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