Header questions

[86T-Top]

So I scored a set of slightly used Ford motorsport shorty headers on ebay for cheap. I got two questions:

1: Can I use the stock header bolts with these FRPP header, or do I need to get some new ones? If I do need new ones what do you recommend?

2: These headers are stainless steal. Do I need to paint them to prevent them from rusting, or is it cool keep them natural. The header flange has rust on it, so that is going to get painted.

Thanks,

Mario

 

[Grn92LX]

1: you need new bolts. arp bolts for our cars are big block chevy bolts if I remember. Cant recall the part #

2: They won't rust so no need to paint. If you do paint then, i'd use por15 high temp paint. They are a nice shorty header, I ran them years ago.

 

[86T-Top]

Thanks for the reply. Out of curiosity, why can't I use the stock header bolts? Are they too short, or is the head on the bolt to big?

I'm pretty excited to put these on, the studs on my stock headers are stripped and cause a nasty exhaust leak. I got these things for $93, can't beat that.

So when you getting that 347 from Rick?

Mario

 

[Curse]

Thanks for the reply. Out of curiosity, why can't I use the stock header bolts? Are they too short, or is the head on the bolt to big?

I'm pretty excited to put these on, the studs on my stock headers are stripped and cause a nasty exhaust leak. I got these things for $93, can't beat that.

So when you getting that 347 from Rick?

Mario

The primary tubes on your new headers are bigger so the heads of the old bolts will rub against the new headers. Most local speed shop should carry the bolts for your car. Most people go with an inch long bolt so they could use locking washers on their header bolts, I used the shorter bolts with some loctite.

 

[89MustangGX]

The stock bolts are most likely going to have heads that are too big, but the flanges on these headers are thicker as well -- so better off with different bolts.

 

[86T-Top]

Thanks for all the replies.

Mario

 

[SamSnyder]

Don't rush in here! Take the time and hunt down correct sized grade-8 socket head (aka allen head) bolts. The kind that require a hex or allen wrench. Then spend the couple of bucks it takes to get a ball-end allen wrench to install them. That way, you won't suffer the trauma of trying to get a wrench on the bolts in close proximity to the pipe. And the ball-end wrench will let you attack it from the weird angles you'll be approaching from. A truly good hardware store should be able to hook you up with the right bolts for about what you'd pay for a kit of regular aftermarket bolts. Also, I used Locktite Red on mine 80k miles ago, and haven't had a problem.

 

[Daniel50]

or you can get the stage 8 locking header bolts