Anyway to cure this problem? I know Texas speed has some locking bolts. Do these work? I've retightened them and they backed out again. Have a ws6 with pacesetter coated headers...any suggestion will be appreciated

 

how many times have you had to do this? It is normal up to three times on other engines I had headers on.

 

Loctite?

 

Don't do that

 

Lock washers...

 

ARP header studs are an option.

 

tighten the bolts, heat cycle the engine and check them again.

when i installed pacesetters on my car i tightened them upon install and then again after driving around town with open headers and that was it. i never had another problem out of them. they were on for a few years and 35k miles before i sold it.

edit: i used the stock manifold gaskets and bolts that came on the car. no additions of any sort.

 

I tightened twice and think its loose again. Just didn't know if maybe the bolts stretched or something to that effect

 

Percy's split lock bolts. Available at Summit.

 

Are the threads clean? Any anti seize ?

 

Threads looked clean during install...no I didn't use anti seize unfortunately

 

Lock washes are the best choice.

 

Wow, guess I've been the lucky one. Stock bolts and GM gaskets have never backed out for me. Did you used a torque wrench to install them?

 

This is definitely a situation I have not encountered. Ive never had any issues with the bolts backing out after Ive heat cycled everything and re-tightened the hardware. Your best bet would be to try a new set of bolts or perhaps the stage 8 locking header bolt kit.
Here is a link to the stage 8 kit - http://www.texas-speed.com/p-427-sta...bolts-hex.aspx

 

Does anti seize actually help in this situation?

 

I have these and they are nothing but a PITA. Had to go back and locktight the set screws to stop them from backing out.
I know of a couple of others that had the same problem.

 

Stage 8 locking header bolts here. They are a PITA to add/remove the c-clips though if the motor is in the car.

 

It helps when you have to remove them. It can be the difference from a simple bolt removal to having to pull the head and send it out to be drilled and Helicoiled. I put antiseize on every bolt that goes into aluminum.

 

I agree Aaron. I've never had an issue either if I tighten them two or three times after heat cycling them. On any brand.

 

I like mine. I admit tightening the allen head is a little awkward at first but after doing a few it gets pretty easy.