Header install--the little things
Header install--the little things Rounding up parts to do my 1st LT car header install. My big question: Are there any little things I need since I will be maintaining emissions components i.e. gaskets for AIR or EGR?
And now let the fists fly...
header gaskets: Flepro 1406 vs GM embossed steel vs Mr Gasket 5903 vs Mr Gasket 720-4804G
My experience in the LS world makes me want to use option D, as MLS gaskets always provide a leak-free seal...but I'm asking the experts' opinion, so please share.
Lastly, regarding ARP bolts: If using bolts with a 5/16ths head, can you get away with the 12 pt? I would like to use stainless, but you can't get 6 pt stainless as far as I can tell. If the 12 pt are a huge pita, I'll go black oxide 6 pt.
Thanks
And now let the fists fly...
header gaskets: Flepro 1406 vs GM embossed steel vs Mr Gasket 5903 vs Mr Gasket 720-4804G
My experience in the LS world makes me want to use option D, as MLS gaskets always provide a leak-free seal...but I'm asking the experts' opinion, so please share.
Lastly, regarding ARP bolts: If using bolts with a 5/16ths head, can you get away with the 12 pt? I would like to use stainless, but you can't get 6 pt stainless as far as I can tell. If the 12 pt are a huge pita, I'll go black oxide 6 pt.
Thanks
You'll be better off with 1406 gaskets than using steal. Reason being is the flange on the headers will most likely not be as flat as the stock manifold therefore you will be prone to exhaust leaks using a steal gasket.
As far as header bolts go, I've always used ARP 3/8X0.75 stainless six-point bolts and they do just fine. I reckon it depends on the flange thickness, but I run Hooker headers and the bolts are plenty long enough to hold the headers in place.
As far as header bolts go, I've always used ARP 3/8X0.75 stainless six-point bolts and they do just fine. I reckon it depends on the flange thickness, but I run Hooker headers and the bolts are plenty long enough to hold the headers in place.
I used ARP 3/8-16x1.00 6 point stainless part #400-1111. They have a 3/8 head which had plenty of clearance for me and you can use a box or open end on them. Stay away from 12 pt for header bolts. My header flanges are .375 thick hence the 1.00 length, the bolt holes in the head are plenty deep.
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,745
Likes: 18
From: Lansing, MI via Bowling Green, KY, Dalton GA, Nashville, TN & Atlanta, GA
What kind of headers are you installing? If they have a thick flange, I would use a 1" bolt. If possible, I would probably use a 1" bolt regardless. The bolts I used were 12 points with a 3/8" head. I had to grind down the box end of a wrench to get it on some of the bolts. I also think I used a socket and vice grips on a few of the bolts.
What kind of headers are you installing? If they have a thick flange, I would use a 1" bolt. If possible, I would probably use a 1" bolt regardless. The bolts I used were 12 points with a 3/8" head. I had to grind down the box end of a wrench to get it on some of the bolts. I also think I used a socket and vice grips on a few of the bolts.
Trending Topics
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,745
Likes: 18
From: Lansing, MI via Bowling Green, KY, Dalton GA, Nashville, TN & Atlanta, GA
Use some stainless bolts. Just my opinion. You spent a wad on those headers. It's been a long time since I installed my headers, but I think I used a wrench on most of the bolts. A 5/16" head would definitely help. Tightening the bolts was one of the biggest pains of the entire install, from what I remember.
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?
Pouria Savadkouei
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine
Verdad Gallardo
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
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
I used $9 spectre bolts from Pepboys and have had no issues with them. I had to tighten them once after some heat cycles but they have held fine since. Also Im using the cheap gaskets that came with my ebay headers. I like the spectres because they have an allen head and come with a swiveling allen wrench. I also could fit a wrench on all but two of the bolts and used the allen wrench on the two remainders.
