• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 1994 - 1995 Specific Tech

Header Bolt Alignment Question

  • Thread starter Thread starter hssnpny
  • Start date Start date Feb 10, 2013

hssnpny

Member
May 30, 2002
49
0
7
SoCal
Feb 10, 2013
#1
  • Feb 10, 2013
  • #1
I removed the headers to replace leaky gaskets. Last tube on the passenger side header, I can't get either bolt to start in. I can get bolts in the other 3 tubes no problem, but whether I leave other bolts loose, tight, only leave one other bolt in, I can't get a bolt started on the #4 tube.

I tried an inspection mirror and flashlight, and it does look like the alignment is slightly off compared to other holes on that header. These headers have been on for 8 years, with all the heat cycles is it possible to have 'sprung' out of alignment?

Are there any tips/tricks for getting this bad boy back on?

Thanks
 

madspeed

Colonel Mustard
Founding Member
Nov 29, 1999
8,914
1,332
204
a van down by the river
Feb 10, 2013
#2
  • Feb 10, 2013
  • #2
i take these are individual flanges and not a one piece flange?
 

revhead347

Apparently my ex-husband made that mistake.
20+ Year Stangneter
Jun 14, 2004
9,303
1,647
214
Acworth, GA
Feb 10, 2013
#3
  • Feb 10, 2013
  • #3
Are they still connected to the midpipe? Sometimes it's impossible to get them in there with the midpipe connected.

Kurt
 
Reactions: ratio411

02 281 GT

Agreed...My wife has great Boobs
15 Year Member
Feb 3, 2009
3,208
1,972
194
Cabot, AR
Feb 10, 2013
#4
  • Feb 10, 2013
  • #4
Loosen the mid pipe if it's still connected, then try to start the #4 bolts first. If you can get them to start, try the others. Just a matter of trying different combinations until something works.
 

hssnpny

Member
May 30, 2002
49
0
7
SoCal
Feb 10, 2013
#5
  • Feb 10, 2013
  • #5
Yeah, individual flanges (BBK unequal shorties). Mid pipe is off already. I have tried to put #4 in first, but you know how you have to play twister to get some of these bolts in . . . for #4 I'm facing away from the car so I can turn my hand backwards to get the right angle, so I don't have a free hand to hold the header too. I'll try that again, maybe I get my wife to hold the header in place while I try.

Thanks for the suggestions. So it sounds like it's not common for a header to 'adjust' itself over time?
 

toyman

10 Year Member
Jul 19, 2007
1,944
54
79
Vernon BC
Feb 11, 2013
#6
  • Feb 11, 2013
  • #6
How about using a stud on that hole.
 

revhead347

Apparently my ex-husband made that mistake.
20+ Year Stangneter
Jun 14, 2004
9,303
1,647
214
Acworth, GA
Feb 11, 2013
#7
  • Feb 11, 2013
  • #7
No, those BBK headers have a massive flange. They don't warp too easily. You just have to move it around a little until you get it right. With old iron heads, it might not be a bad idea to re chase the threads with a tap if they give you trouble to make sure they aren't cross threaded, or just full of debris.

Kurt
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Drivetrain 83’ Glx convertible C5 Trans help!
  • JacksonJared2113
  • Dec 25, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
2
Views
417
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Dec 26, 2025
JacksonJared2113
M
Progress Thread mnky99 2001 V6 evap core, ac compressor, heater core replacement
  • mnky99
  • Sep 5, 2025
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
Replies
1
Views
571
1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk- Sep 5, 2025
mnky99
M
R
What's it Worth? 1997 Cobra, a ton of mods and restoration
  • riored97snake
  • Jun 18, 2026
  • What is it Worth?!?!?
Replies
2
Views
235
What is it Worth?!?!? Jun 21, 2026
riored97snake
R
3
Eight inches is enough for me...
  • 351MooseStang
  • Nov 27, 2025
  • 1974 - 1978 Mustang II Talk & Tech
Replies
5
Views
617
1974 - 1978 Mustang II Talk & Tech Mar 2, 2026
Bullitt347
SN Mustang Magnum T56 swap
  • revhead347
  • May 24, 2024
  • 1994 - 1995 Specific Tech
Replies
15
Views
6K
1994 - 1995 Specific Tech Jun 28, 2026
GearHeadGuy
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 1994 - 1995 Specific Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?