Exhaust Bbk shorties, 3/4 or 1 inch bolts....

nickyb

I gotta say i never painted my nuts, Never Ever

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Sep 17, 2021

#1

• Sep 17, 2021

• #1

I'm looking @getting new header bolts( tired of them coming loose) I 've tried some stage8 locking ones( put them on drivers side)but with headers wrapped it a real pita.
pro form has locking ones in 3/4 and 1 inch, just don't if I need the longer ones as the BBK flange is way thick.
What is all you BBK header guys using?

 

j753303

Active Member

Aug 25, 2020

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Sep 17, 2021

#2

• Sep 17, 2021

• #2

i did the 1" with remflex gaskets. never had a problem

 

WhiteCobra95

10 Year Member

May 2, 2006

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Sep 17, 2021

#3

• Sep 17, 2021

• #3

I'm running the 3/4" stage 8's on an SN95 5.0 with BBK unequal shorties for the same reason. My fear with the 1" bolts is that you'll have a hard time getting them through the flange on the inside bends of the primaries. You might want to test it first with a 1" bolt that you have laying around or pick one up at Lowe's or Home Depot first.

One suggestion: new header gaskets shrink. After I put it back together with new gaskets, I heat cycle it several times and re-tighten. Once it seems good after about three drives, then I give the bolts one last twist and put the anti-rotation clips on. This is with Fel-Pro gaskets, if you're using copper gaskets, it will probably not shrink in the same manor.

 

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OldManRiver

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Feb 14, 2015

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Sep 17, 2021

#4

• Sep 17, 2021

• #4

You'll definitely need the 1" if running aluminum heads.

 

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nickyb

I gotta say i never painted my nuts, Never Ever

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Sep 17, 2021

#5

• Sep 17, 2021

• #5

WhiteCobra95 said:

I'm running the 3/4" stage 8's on an SN95 5.0 with BBK unequal shorties for the same reason. My fear with the 1" bolts is that you'll have a hard time getting them through the flange on the inside bends of the primaries. You might want to test it first with a 1" bolt that you have laying around or pick one up at Lowe's or Home Depot first.

One suggestion: new header gaskets shrink. After I put it back together with new gaskets, I heat cycle it several times and re-tighten. Once it seems good after about three drives, then I give the bolts one last twist and put the anti-rotation clips on. This is with Fel-Pro gaskets, if you're using copper gaskets, it will probably not shrink in the same manor.

Click to expand...

Just picked up two one inch bolts to check with from oh oh oreilly's.

 

S

sd331

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Sep 9, 2008

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Sep 17, 2021

#6

• Sep 17, 2021

• #6

i have BBK with gt40 heads and used ARP 1" bolts..if you put the 3/4 bolts thru the flange theres only like 4 threads showing..to short IMO....the 1" are for better clamping

 

Last edited: Sep 17, 2021

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nickyb

I gotta say i never painted my nuts, Never Ever

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Sep 17, 2021

#7

• Sep 17, 2021

• #7

OldManRiver said:

You'll definitely need the 1" if running aluminum heads.

Click to expand...

Not alum. Heads yet. The one inch bolts will work for me, I'll get the pro form self locking ones.
Thanks for the replys guys.

 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

Mod Dude

Feb 18, 2001

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Sep 17, 2021

#8

• Sep 17, 2021

• #8

Pretty sure I had 3/4” bolts with my BBK 1515 headers.


I had to go to 1” with the JBA headers (thicker flange) and AL heads.


Ideally you want at least 6 threads into whatever you are threading into. Any less runs an increased risk of stripping threads

 

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foxbodybill89

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Sep 20, 2021

#9

• Sep 20, 2021

• #9

ARP studs!!

 

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mikestang63

SN Certified Technician

Aug 27, 2012

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Sep 20, 2021

#10

• Sep 20, 2021

• #10

throw those Stage 8 bolts in the garbage. Just use Stainless allen head bolts with lock washers. Regarding length, go with what Edelbrock recommends.

 

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Dan02gt

mazing how much gas smell came from that tiny hole

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Sep 24, 2021

#11

• Sep 24, 2021

• #11

I use Proform locking header bolts and they work great. I used the 1” with JBA headers and stock heads, but had to go to the 3/4” when I went to AFR heads because the 1” bottomed out.

 

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nickyb

I gotta say i never painted my nuts, Never Ever

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Sep 24, 2021

#12

• Sep 24, 2021

• #12

Dan02gt said:

I use Proform locking header bolts and they work great. I used the 1” with JBA headers and stock heads, but had to go to the 3/4” when I went to AFR heads because the 1” bottomed out.

Click to expand...

I just got the pro form 1inch from Amazon , with the BBKheaders thick flange they'll do fine.

 

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Gs1987GT

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Sep 25, 2019

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MidAtlantic

Oct 1, 2021

#13

• Oct 1, 2021

• #13

I just used the bolts flowtech provided with the 1-3/4" shorties I installed on my 87 a few months ago. I believe they are 1". So far no issues, no leaks, but I do plan on checking them soon to ensure they are still tight.