Daily driver w/headers?
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Canton, Ga.
Daily driver w/headers? I was wanting my next m to be headers. Definately LT. No shorty please! My question is will I constantly be tighting these up with leaks, and blowing the gaskets out? I do a insane amount of driving from spring to mid-summer, sometimes pulling 2500-3000 miles every two weeks. I don't need a headache I will always be fighting, but definately don't like the sound of my truck. I would like a more agressive sound and always would welcome more power and tq. I know everyone has there own opinion but I need the facts. power and tq definately more important than sound. right now i'm running duel in, duel out 50 series flowmaster,(I know, I know suckmaster!) but this is why i am turning to you tech guys for the straight facts. thanks guys! 
I've only had to tighten the header bolts once after the initial install. It's a good idea to check them periodically, especially if you have to retighten them each time you check. You shouldn't have this problem is they are properly installed. You also won't have a problem blowing gaskets out if you use the stock GM metal ones. The paper ones tend to get blown out though.
I don't have a truck, but this is my experience on my f-body. You might have better luck posting in the truck section.
I don't have a truck, but this is my experience on my f-body. You might have better luck posting in the truck section.
Get them. I am waiting for Kooks to come out for the trucks and I plan on getting them for my Silverado which is my part time DD between the car. I don't think you will need to constantly keep tightening them since I have not had any problems with my car. Beside, with hte amount of room in the engine bay of the truck it is cake to check them. Only takes 5 min in the truck. Car ius a different story. I saw get them. You wont be sorry.
i installed my headers ~7-8k miles ago i think, and i've never had to tighen a bolt. next time i have to take them off i'll be putting on grade 8 lockers, or maybe studs, but only b/c the bolts are old and worn out...the headers don't leak at all.
TECH Regular
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 416
Likes: 1
From: Minnesota
I had headers on my daily driven '74 Blazer and it wasn't a big deal. I would check the bolts every few months. I had a few that would normally come lose. I picked up about 2 mpg, and there was deffinently more power. It was noisier inside the truck, but you probably have more sound deadening and less rust holes in the floor.
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Daily driven SS with Kooks headers here...stock GM metal gaskets used. Never had to retighten, never had a problem. I wouldn't recommend using the loctite, but that is just me...not too sure how it would hold up under that much heat.
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Originally Posted by GuitsBoy
You will love them. 20k, havnt had a problem. I used the high temp locktite and bolts were still torqued correctly when I checked a few months ago.
Its fake locktite, permatex i believe. I got it from autozone for ~$5. Holding up very well everywhere I use the stuff. Working fine on my headers, and if it ever comes down to it, You can always clean up the threads with a tap.
just get some GM gaskets and a set of Stage 8 locking header bolts from one of our sponsors like www.thunderracing.com and you shouldn't have any problems with header leaks at the head.
I had problems with blowing out gaskets and bolts loosening up on my Chevelle. I think the flanges were warped. To avoid anythig like that with my TA, I bought the GM metal gaskest and the stage 8 locking bolts. I havent installed them yet 
but I am going to use anti-seize on the bolts. Loctite, I dont recommend. Here is a pic of the Stage 8's
but I am going to use anti-seize on the bolts. Loctite, I dont recommend. Here is a pic of the Stage 8's 
Stage 8's, ARP studs, split locking bolts and all their kin are nice. The problem is that there not free. If you have the money, the above mentioned fasteners are great. If not, the testimony of many people will tell you that the stock bolts and high temp thread loc will work fine.
-T
-T
https://ls1tech.com/forums/showthrea...hlight=stage+8
This guy sold some for $20 shipped. And I have seen Stage 8's go for $15 shipped, the price of a CD. There are deals, you have to make an effort to look though.
This guy sold some for $20 shipped. And I have seen Stage 8's go for $15 shipped, the price of a CD. There are deals, you have to make an effort to look though.
I have had my Hooker LTs on my 2001 Camaro SS since early 2002, that is about 80,000 miles. I did not use loctite, nor would I recommend it on aluminum heads (cast iron maybe), but did use the GM gaskets. My header bolts are still tight to this day. My wife drives our Camaro SS daily and I have nothing to worry about. I plan to install LT on my Sierra soon, and it is my daily driver.
