I just picked up a used pair of headers for my 2000 ss. I wanted to get some nice new bolts but I wanted to make sure I order the right size and if there is a brand I should get. Also on the gaskets should I just get a new stock pair or should I get another brand?

 

For the exhaust gaskets, get whatever O'Reilly or Autozone has for your car in Fel-Pro brand. They should have a metallic facing on both sides and probably better quality than stock anyway.

For the bolts, search would do you well but here is a shortcut for you:

https://ls1tech.com/forums/generatio...what-size.html

After going through the hassle of breaking off the $@&#! driver side REARMOST bolt and pulling that head just to get the remainder out, I decided to go with studs. Still they could break from exhaust heat cycling/flex/stress/etc. but hopefully at least wont break off just from me removing them next time. Apparently ARP sells such a thing but I bought some no-name kit from a guy on eBay. Stuff looks pretty good. I got stainless and paid about $30. Hopefully they hold up over time.

You can never go wrong with ARP though..you just pay for it.

Good luck.
Chris

 

I would recommend going with stock GM multi layer steel (MLS) gaskets. As stated above, there are plenty of options for the bolts. Studs would be nice if you don't mind spending the cash, some like stage 8 locking bolts, some reuse the stock bolts...

 

I reused the stock gaskets and went with stainless Allen studs with stainless flanged nuts that were serrated to prevent backing off.

 

I used these nice studs from Dorman and some nice nuts & washers:

 

Just wanted to mention one more thing; the cheapie kit I bought did include female allen heads as well as the serrated nuts.

 

Another vote for GM gaskets. I'd also definitely go with studs. I bought stainless "no-name" studs off eBay. They were from seller "alper motorsports" and something like $30.

 

@demonspeed - yep, that's the same seller I bought from. Look really nice; should have them installed this weekend.

Are you planning to use some sort of thread locker to install them or?

Thanks.

 

As in loctite? I would think the heat would make it a real pain getting out the next time you were to mess with it. If anything anti seize on the studs due to the dissimilar metals (stainless stud in an aluminum head)?

 

I put some thread locker on mine -- just a drop -- because I did not want to deal with them backing out at all.

 

Kinda what I was thinking.. Don't want these to come out.

 

I haven't used a header gasket in years. Nothing but high temp copper based silicone. I'v never had a gasket failure. I use standard small hex head header bolts, nothing fancy. The silicone works like a thread locker, and they never come loose.

 

The instructions that came with my headers insisted on this(no gasket) but I didn't feel comfortable until I got the studs. Now I may go back with silicone. Without studs, I saw a big mess in my future while getting it all lined up and the bolts in.

Just a small ring around each port on the head or what?

Thanks.

 

Yeah, just a small ring around each port, AND a small ring around each bolt hole. That way you're torquing against a relatively flat surface. You also want to get some of the silicone on the bolt threads - that helps prevent loosening.

Get two bolts the same size as the header/exhaust bolt, maybe a little bit longer. Cut the head off, and then cut a screwdriver slot in the end. Screw them into the head like a stud, just 1-2 turns. You can hang the header on those studs while you get the bolts started. Then remove the alignment stud and replace with a bolt when you're ready.

 

Yep. My father taught me that trick a long time ago and I forgot! Definitely makes it a lot easier. All studs now so hoping the trouble is behind me.

 

Never thought about the ultra copper stuff for a header gasket. Considering that the OE MLS gaskets are like $10 for the pair, I'm not sure I see the benefit, though. I only say this within the context that if you remove the header, you'll be cleaning up the residue. With the gasket, it's as easy as putting new ones in (or reusing if they're not old; the OE gaskets are very good).