Generation III External Engine LS1 | LS6 | Bolt-Ons | Intakes | Exhaust | Ignition | Accessories
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

header bolts

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 26, 2009 | 08:31 AM
  #21  
Nick_Rapitis's Avatar
Thread Starter
12 Second Club
iTrader: (15)
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 849
Likes: 0
From: 20 minutes east of Cleveland
Default

now swapping headers doesnt sound that good lol
Reply
Old Feb 26, 2009 | 08:37 AM
  #22  
MeentSS02's Avatar
Kleeborp the Moderator™
20 Year Member
iTrader: (11)
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 10,316
Likes: 6
From: Dayton, OH
Default

Well - it doesn't happen to everyone. Mine came out just fine, and I'm getting ready to do another swap in the spring, this time removing Stage 8 header bolts.

I've had a friend that broke a head bolt (not header) while doing an install, so freak things can happen...you just have to be prepared for the worst, and is why I'll only recommend people doing this type of stuff if it isn't their only mode of transportation. When I did my first header install, my Camaro was my only car - I did the install on a Sunday, and barely had a running car by Monday morning to get to work just due to complications (getting the old exhaust off was a bitch).
Reply
Old Feb 26, 2009 | 08:38 AM
  #23  
Nick_Rapitis's Avatar
Thread Starter
12 Second Club
iTrader: (15)
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 849
Likes: 0
From: 20 minutes east of Cleveland
Default

how much does it cost typically to have it done?
Reply
Old Feb 26, 2009 | 08:47 AM
  #24  
MeentSS02's Avatar
Kleeborp the Moderator™
20 Year Member
iTrader: (11)
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 10,316
Likes: 6
From: Dayton, OH
Default

A header swap? I have no idea - never priced that one out. The best thing to do is find a buddy or two that have done it before on your type of car to help walk you through it - a couple of beers and the right tools should be all it costs.
Reply
Old Feb 26, 2009 | 09:18 AM
  #25  
Nick_Rapitis's Avatar
Thread Starter
12 Second Club
iTrader: (15)
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 849
Likes: 0
From: 20 minutes east of Cleveland
Default

yeah im sure i could handle it but if say one of the bolts snaps off in the block when im removing the stock manifolds im screwed cuz that is something i couldnt fix...if i had some shop do it i wouldnt have to worry about it...
Reply
Old Feb 26, 2009 | 11:29 AM
  #26  
03Sssnake's Avatar
TECH Resident
iTrader: (20)
 
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,000
Likes: 0
From: H-Town/Cypress
Default

FWIW, I never had one break on removal, it was on installation when tightening (apparently too much in my case). You might go aftermarket for header bolts/studs (stage8, pearcys, and or ARP)
Reply
Old Feb 26, 2009 | 11:33 AM
  #27  
MeentSS02's Avatar
Kleeborp the Moderator™
20 Year Member
iTrader: (11)
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 10,316
Likes: 6
From: Dayton, OH
Default

Originally Posted by Nick_Rapitis
yeah im sure i could handle it but if say one of the bolts snaps off in the block when im removing the stock manifolds im screwed cuz that is something i couldnt fix...if i had some shop do it i wouldnt have to worry about it...
Risk vs. reward - only your bank account and your level of comfort can decide.
Reply
Old Feb 26, 2009 | 11:43 AM
  #28  
Nick_Rapitis's Avatar
Thread Starter
12 Second Club
iTrader: (15)
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 849
Likes: 0
From: 20 minutes east of Cleveland
Default

Originally Posted by 03Sssnake
FWIW, I never had one break on removal, it was on installation when tightening (apparently too much in my case). You might go aftermarket for header bolts/studs (stage8, pearcys, and or ARP)
speaking of tightening is there a specific amount header bolts need to be tightened?
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-5

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

 
story-9

10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Feb 26, 2009 | 11:46 AM
  #29  
03Sssnake's Avatar
TECH Resident
iTrader: (20)
 
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,000
Likes: 0
From: H-Town/Cypress
Default

18lbft is the spec from the factory.
Reply
Old Feb 26, 2009 | 11:52 AM
  #30  
03Sssnake's Avatar
TECH Resident
iTrader: (20)
 
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,000
Likes: 0
From: H-Town/Cypress
Default

Really not that big a deal, installed several sets reusing stock bolts with no problem. Just got me that one time.
Reply
Old Feb 26, 2009 | 12:02 PM
  #31  
MeentSS02's Avatar
Kleeborp the Moderator™
20 Year Member
iTrader: (11)
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 10,316
Likes: 6
From: Dayton, OH
Default

I think it is 11 lb-ft on the first pass (starting in the center and working out), then 18 lb-ft on the second pass. You may not be able to get a torque wrench on all the bolts though - it can be pretty cramped working under the cowl.
Reply
Old Feb 26, 2009 | 12:05 PM
  #32  
99bowtieZ's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 605
Likes: 0
From: NC
Default

It really isn't too difficult, if you are even slightly mechanically inclined then it would be a walk in the park(a long walk the first time).
Reply
Old Feb 26, 2009 | 12:13 PM
  #33  
vsocks1's Avatar
TECH Regular
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 439
Likes: 0
From: Belgium, WI
Default

It is not that bad to do yourself. A shop will likely charge $350-$500 for the work.
Reply
Old Feb 26, 2009 | 12:39 PM
  #34  
Nick_Rapitis's Avatar
Thread Starter
12 Second Club
iTrader: (15)
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 849
Likes: 0
From: 20 minutes east of Cleveland
Default

so 11 lbs? ok...tell me more about the order of tightening them...i would have done the ends first and worked towards the middle...
Reply
Old Feb 26, 2009 | 12:40 PM
  #35  
Nick_Rapitis's Avatar
Thread Starter
12 Second Club
iTrader: (15)
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 849
Likes: 0
From: 20 minutes east of Cleveland
Default

and what do you mean 11 on the first pass and 18 on the second pass?
Reply
Old Feb 26, 2009 | 12:43 PM
  #36  
99bowtieZ's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 605
Likes: 0
From: NC
Default

Tighten them all to 11 before you tighten them all to 18.
Reply
Old Feb 26, 2009 | 02:11 PM
  #37  
MeentSS02's Avatar
Kleeborp the Moderator™
20 Year Member
iTrader: (11)
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 10,316
Likes: 6
From: Dayton, OH
Default

www.ls1howto.com

Your answers are there.
Reply
Old Mar 4, 2009 | 06:23 PM
  #38  
SSmoken's Avatar
11 Second Club
iTrader: (26)
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,140
Likes: 0
From: S.W. Missouri
Default

Originally Posted by Nick_Rapitis
how did you fix it?
i didnt lol.
Reply
Old Mar 4, 2009 | 09:02 PM
  #39  
Nick_Rapitis's Avatar
Thread Starter
12 Second Club
iTrader: (15)
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 849
Likes: 0
From: 20 minutes east of Cleveland
Default

doesnt it leak?
Reply
Old Mar 5, 2009 | 12:33 AM
  #40  
SSmoken's Avatar
11 Second Club
iTrader: (26)
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,140
Likes: 0
From: S.W. Missouri
Default

Originally Posted by Nick_Rapitis
doesnt it leak?
i think im beginning to notice one. i might see if i can tighten them anymore. if not oh well. its not a bad one and almost goes away after they get hot.
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:43 PM.

story-0
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-2
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-5
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-6
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-7
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

Slideshows: Which one of these myths do you believe?

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-28 18:10:11


VIEW MORE