Header bolts backing out... solutions?

[edgars23]

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.

 

[truck90278]

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]

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]

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.

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.

 

[Blue67]

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.

 

[ron67fb]

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.

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.

 

[Cobra ssc]

I used the Stage 8 bolts before and the gasket I had blew out so that didn't help much.

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]

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.Hearne]

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

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

 

[Rusty67]

32 little reasons to drink.....

 

[SadbutTrue]

32 little reasons to drink.....

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]

You want me to drop by on my way home Saturday ?

 

[SadbutTrue]

You want me to drop by on my way home Saturday ?

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]

Sounds good.