Which Header Bolts?
Thread Starter
10 Second Fun Car
iTrader: (7)
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 2,045
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From: Pearland, Tx
Which Header Bolts? Im gonna be installing my Mac Headers soon and wanted to know what kind of header bolts does everybody reccomend? I hear some people use the stock ones over and Ive seen all the aftermarket ones also. In the future I might be doing a head swap and dont want any trouble having to get them off, but dont want to be tighting them all the time either because of leaks. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks
Thanks
On The Tree
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 148
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From: Denver
Re: Which Header Bolts? This is a case where you can't have your cake and eat it too. If you go with stock, there is always a change they could loosen, expecailly if you use anti-seize like most people. If you use Stage 8 bolts, they won't come loose but pulling the C clips off and putting them on in the tight spaces can be a PITA.
Re: Which Header Bolts? I have the Stage 8 bolts. Its a good looking bolt, just DONT use the tab and e-clip. They dont fit tight and the tab (locking mech.) rattles like holy hell. You can imagine 8 little tinny rattles under the hood 
I just used the bolt. They look good 
I just used the bolt. They look good On The Tree
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
From: Denver
Re: Which Header Bolts?
I have the Stage 8 bolts. Its a good looking bolt, just DONT use the tab and e-clip. They dont fit tight and the tab (locking mech.) rattles like holy hell. You can imagine 8 little tinny rattles under the hood I just used the bolt. They look good
I just used the bolt. They look good Trending Topics
Re: Which Header Bolts?
I tried many ways to use the different tabs they give you, but it rattled like hell.
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Teching In
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Western N.Y.
Re: Which Header Bolts?
Has anyone tried the ARP header studs? Anything wrong w/ going that route?
Re: Which Header Bolts? I use the Stage 8s without the locking tabs on both of my cars also because they look better and don't rust. I tq them to 18 ft lbs with the GM steel gaskets and have never had one come loose.
Re: Which Header Bolts? FWIW....I use an internal hex(Allen)head bolt/lock washer from the local hardware store that work beautifully. Work great where the primaries are close to the head, and no more rounded off heads....no probs in or out, fit tight, don't back out, and don't leak....and CHEAP 
TECH Resident
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 996
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Re: Which Header Bolts? Another vote for Stage 8 bolts here. The keys are not that hard to put on at all. (I guess anything seems easy after swapping valvesprings with the the engine in the car!)
Anyway, it is cheap insurance that the bolts will never back out, and you can lube them up with all the antisieze you want for removal time.
Remember to clean out the bolt holes well with a tap before reinstalling. They can be pretty gunked up with old anti-sieze...
Tommy
Anyway, it is cheap insurance that the bolts will never back out, and you can lube them up with all the antisieze you want for removal time.
Remember to clean out the bolt holes well with a tap before reinstalling. They can be pretty gunked up with old anti-sieze...
Tommy