pacesetter install Q's
 

I got new gaskets from GM, but you should use the factory bolts also, correct? I've they won't backout if you use the factory ones you take out instead of the ones that come with the pacesetter lt's.

get stage 8 locking bolts!!!!

:thumbsdow I'd have to throw my vote in AGAINST the stage 8. My friend put them on his LT1, and nothing but hassles. About 3 or so stripped out with minimal force, and getting the locks to lock on was a huge pain in the ass. After just getting back from my friend's house after taking off his stock manifolds, I will say that the ease of access to the bolts might help in being careful with the Stage 8's. But either way, I'll vote for ARPs. They were a HUGE improvement on my LT1 (where the runners are O--OO--O vs O-O-O-O), allowed me great access to all of them with an 8mm socket. When in doubt, I'd personally go with the stock bolts :judge: Good luck with the install :)

-J

Stock bolts man.

I used the bolts they sent, and there are two that have backed out in 15000 miles. I think i will use some lock tight on them here sortly.

thanks!

I can suggest a solution to this problem. After years and years of this issue, I always recommend to anyone that when installing new header bolts, tighten to factory specs or close to, then after the motor has op temp, go back and snug them up again. Y0ou will notice they will have another 1/2 turnin them. This is due to new bolts being cold rolled during threading. I highly suggest not applying any type of threadlocker to exh bolts. A trick my shop teacher taught me 20 years ago and since then, I had never had an exh bolt loosen. You should still even do this with used bolts. When hot, everything is expanded and a little snugging while warm will do wonders.
Yes I know, if the motor is hot it may be difficult to tighten bolts, but that's why they make gloves. Try it, you'll be surprised. But not too tight, being hot will break them...SNUG!!!

i wouldn't do that

:stupid: dont use the bolts that come with it and do NOT put lock tight on them. put the stock bolts back in or buy arp bolts PERIOD. ive done many many header installs, when i used bolts that came with the headers i always had to tighten them all the time, i tightened them once a month. with the stock bolts or arp bolts you tighten to tq specs once, warm motor up and tighten again. check them again after a week and you should be good to go. :nod:

oh and use anti seize on the bolts.

Does anyone here know the factory specs on how much to torque the bolts? I used the ones that came with my pacesetters but i was gonna check them this weekend.

11 ft lbs first pass, then 18 ft lbs second pass.

Nice thanks.

If you don't want any probs get the stage 8's, love mine torqued once while cold and no problems ever. They really aren't that hard to get on.