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Header bolts backing out... solutions?

  • Thread starter Thread starter SadbutTrue
  • Start date Start date Aug 25, 2008
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edgars23

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Oct 16, 2006
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Aug 26, 2008
#21
  • Aug 26, 2008
  • #21
I can see how the Stage 8 bolts might not fit some headers...but I was able to get them on my Doug Thorley long tubes, after I torqued the bolts in place and but the locks on, they've never had to be touched again. They were expensive, but well worth the investment for me.
 
T

truck90278

New Member
Jun 4, 2006
382
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Redondo Beach, CA
Aug 26, 2008
#22
  • Aug 26, 2008
  • #22
We're using header bolts from Totally Stainless, work great, won't back out and have a small washer so clearance isn't an issue
 

SadbutTrue

Founding Member
May 1, 2002
2,390
4
49
Granada Hills, California
Aug 26, 2008
#23
  • Aug 26, 2008
  • #23
I will say my header bolts are somewhat low profile. I might go pull one out and measure it, but I know the lone ARP header bolt that PAW gave me is a bit longer and I had to use washers for it.

Now that you describe them, I may in fact have the composite gaskets. So I guess I need to pick up some aluminum gaskets and some slightly nicer bolts. Are the Stage 8s in a class of their own or are there other ones that will help? I'm also slightly worried about those 'locks'... will I be able to get at all of them with my header pipes in the way? There is very little clearance on a couple of them.
 

iskwezm

10 Year Member
May 24, 2005
4,159
20
79
Rowland Heights,California
Aug 26, 2008
#24
  • Aug 26, 2008
  • #24
SadbutTrue said:
I will say my header bolts are somewhat low profile. I might go pull one out and measure it, but I know the lone ARP header bolt that PAW gave me is a bit longer and I had to use washers for it.

Now that you describe them, I may in fact have the composite gaskets. So I guess I need to pick up some aluminum gaskets and some slightly nicer bolts. Are the Stage 8s in a class of their own or are there other ones that will help? I'm also slightly worried about those 'locks'... will I be able to get at all of them with my header pipes in the way? There is very little clearance on a couple of them.
Click to expand...
Depending on your headersi had try-y's and mine out of 16 ports, i was able to get maybe 9-10 on, the rest wouldnt fit.
 
B

Blue67

Member
Jul 29, 2002
31
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7
Long Beach, Ca
Aug 26, 2008
#25
  • Aug 26, 2008
  • #25
I had the same problem with my header bolts on edelbrock performer heads. I needed longer header bolts. Look at the specification of how long the header bolts can be.

I run Thorley headers. I also use grade 8 bolts.

Good luck.
 
R

ron67fb

Founding Member
Aug 3, 2001
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SF Bay area, CA
Aug 26, 2008
#26
  • Aug 26, 2008
  • #26
iskwezm said:
Depending on your headersi had try-y's and mine out of 16 ports, i was able to get maybe 9-10 on, the rest wouldnt fit.
Click to expand...
Same story on my shorties. I had to cut some of the tabs to clear the tubes. The nice thing about them is having the allen head in addition to hex, but I believe you can get that on some regular header bolt sets.
 
C

Cobra ssc

Member
May 31, 2006
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Austin, TX
Aug 26, 2008
#27
  • Aug 26, 2008
  • #27
ron67fb said:
I used the Stage 8 bolts before and the gasket I had blew out so that didn't help much.
Click to expand...

Not to be an a$$, but it sounds like cheap gaskets or user error. Whether using Stage 8 or another type of header bolt will not make a difference in that situation. The main thing is to not have an exhaust leak and create a lean condition. I run mostly boosted applications on my Mustangs and a header gasket leak can easily turn into a blown head gasket, which is much worse.

I too had to modify my Stage 8 bolts to work, but isn't that part of using aftermarket high performance parts? Maybe I'm just used to having to make custom parts to work with my combinations. I have already purchased another set of Stage 8 for the 65 since I believe that they are cheaper than installing new head gaskets.
 

Rusty67

20+ Year Stangneter
Dec 3, 2002
3,749
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LA, CA
Aug 26, 2008
#28
  • Aug 26, 2008
  • #28
Stage 8 = hype

Copper gaskets or standard with some RTV on both sides will help.

I can only imagine geting to those header bolts on your 65 with that 351w....
 
D

D.Hearne

New Member
Sep 29, 2000
11,730
6
0
south louisiana
Aug 26, 2008
#29
  • Aug 26, 2008
  • #29
Rusty67 said:
I can only imagine geting to those header bolts on your 65 with that 351w....
Click to expand...

Those are easy, try doing all 32 bolts on a 428CJ headed FE in a 67-70.
 

Rusty67

20+ Year Stangneter
Dec 3, 2002
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Aug 27, 2008
#30
  • Aug 27, 2008
  • #30
32 little reasons to drink.....
 

SadbutTrue

Founding Member
May 1, 2002
2,390
4
49
Granada Hills, California
Aug 27, 2008
#31
  • Aug 27, 2008
  • #31
Rusty67 said:
32 little reasons to drink.....
Click to expand...

Seriously man... there are a couple bolts that are going to leave me bloody, I'm sure.

That said, the thing hauls Once it warms up its a rocket, I have yet to find an opportunity to actually stay on it for more than a few seconds, let alone row through 2-3-4 at WOT.
 

Rusty67

20+ Year Stangneter
Dec 3, 2002
3,749
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109
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Aug 27, 2008
#32
  • Aug 27, 2008
  • #32
You want me to drop by on my way home Saturday ?
 

SadbutTrue

Founding Member
May 1, 2002
2,390
4
49
Granada Hills, California
Aug 27, 2008
#33
  • Aug 27, 2008
  • #33
Rusty67 said:
You want me to drop by on my way home Saturday ?
Click to expand...

I'm gonna be in the bay area for football this weekend. Maybe next weekend if you're free and bored. I'll supply beer.
 

Rusty67

20+ Year Stangneter
Dec 3, 2002
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Aug 27, 2008
#34
  • Aug 27, 2008
  • #34
Sounds good.
 
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