Helicoil header bolt?

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Aug 6, 2016 | 08:48 PM

kswLS1

Thread Starter

On The Tree

iTrader: (1)

Joined: May 2016

Posts: 151

Likes: 1

From: N. Alabama

Helicoil header bolt?

So I managed to not break the right rear bolt, but either the previous owner stripped it during install or it stripped upon removal today.
I'll be using ARP once the headers get back from their bath.

Has anyone ever used a Helicoil to correct the damaged hole threads? Or any other proven successful remedy? The motor is out of the car so space isn't much of an issue.

Aug 6, 2016 | 09:07 PM

jrpimp00

TECH Fanatic

iTrader: (17)

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 1,082

Likes: 1

From: Fayetteville, NC

Ive done it without issue. Just make sure it goes in straight

Aug 6, 2016 | 10:06 PM

JOHNNY59

11 Second Club

iTrader: (398)

Joined: Jul 2009

Posts: 1,280

Likes: 35

Helicoil

don't forget to use red loctite on the Helicoil threads!

Aug 7, 2016 | 08:12 AM

kswLS1

Thread Starter

On The Tree

iTrader: (1)

Joined: May 2016

Posts: 151

Likes: 1

From: N. Alabama

Thanks guys. I assume you just carefully hand drilled the hole out? I'll get the Helicoil and report back. Might be a while as I need to wait on the headers.

Aug 8, 2016 | 07:27 AM

Exidous

TECH Fanatic

iTrader: (11)

Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 1,747

Likes: 4

From: Under a rock

Using a Helicoil for the headers is fine. Alignment is not nearly as critical as the head bolt threads where you use a timesert. I ended up doing any questionable threads on my block while I had it out.

Aug 8, 2016 | 07:30 AM

kswLS1

Thread Starter

On The Tree

iTrader: (1)

Joined: May 2016

Posts: 151

Likes: 1

From: N. Alabama

Are ARP bolts necessary? Since headers aren't a super critical fastening point can't I just get some M8x1.25 bolts from hardware store?

Aug 9, 2016 | 05:17 AM

Jontall

TECH Fanatic

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 1,584

Likes: 23

From: NYC

ARP bolts are a waste on headers... Stock bolts are fine or hardware store bolts in the highest grade (10.9 or higher) you can buy; you don't want to twist the heads off if/when you need to remove them again. Dorman sells exhaust manifold bolt kits (10.9) for around $12.

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

Verdad Gallardo

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

Pouria Savadkouei

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

Verdad Gallardo

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Pouria Savadkouei

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Verdad Gallardo

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

Verdad Gallardo

Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Verdad Gallardo

10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

Verdad Gallardo

Aug 9, 2016 | 08:49 AM

kswLS1

Thread Starter

On The Tree

iTrader: (1)

Joined: May 2016

Posts: 151

Likes: 1

From: N. Alabama

So red Loctite makes sense on the Helicoil threads, but what about the bolt threads to help mitigate future damage? Is antiseize recommended?

Aug 10, 2016 | 06:08 PM

#10

Jontall

TECH Fanatic

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 1,584

Likes: 23

From: NYC

You could use a little anti-seize on the bolts and I've never seen exhaust manifold bolts get loose... It seems like they always get tighter and very hard to remove. Red Loctite on the outside of the helicoil to hold it in position in the head.