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Engine Locking header bolts

  • Thread starter Thread starter limp
  • Start date Start date Jun 27, 2022

limp

wrap a little cheese around it and its a done
5 Year Member
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#1
  • Jun 27, 2022
  • #1
How many on here use " stock" header bolts vs the locking type?
I have some remflex gaskets but not sure if I should upgrade to the locking type bolts.... never used em before, why start now??
 

Dan02gt

mazing how much gas smell came from that tiny hole
20+ Year Stangneter
Mar 2, 2003
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Greenville, NC
Jun 27, 2022
#2
  • Jun 27, 2022
  • #2
I’ve been using the Proform header bolts for years now and they work great without the need to install physical locks on the bolts.
 
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96pushrod

I think they're a little easier to get off
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#3
  • Jun 27, 2022
  • #3
I’ve used the proform wedge lock, as well as the mr gasket headlock bolts, and I prefer the mr gasket ones since they have an Allen key hole along with the 6 point hex.

Both work well and have serrations to dig into the flange though.
 
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Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
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Jun 27, 2022
#4
  • Jun 27, 2022
  • #4
I use the stage 8 bolts. I had them, so i figure I'd just go ahead and install them. Went on nice, and headers do not have any leaks
 

limp

wrap a little cheese around it and its a done
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#5
  • Jun 27, 2022
  • #5
96pushrod said:
I’ve used the proform wedge lock, as well as the mr gasket headlock bolts, and I prefer the mr gasket ones since they have an Allen key hole along with the 6 point hex.

Both work well and have serrations to dig into the flange though.
Click to expand...
I thought these breslens looked a bit much.....
 

96pushrod

I think they're a little easier to get off
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#6
  • Jun 27, 2022
  • #6
limp said:
I thought these breslens looked a bit much.....
Click to expand...
Idk, I’ve never used those. I like to have 6 point flats on the outside so I can get an open end wrench on tight ones. I stay away from 12pt.
 

limp

wrap a little cheese around it and its a done
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#7
  • Jun 27, 2022
  • #7
So nobody using the bolts that come with your headers??
 

96pushrod

I think they're a little easier to get off
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#8
  • Jun 27, 2022
  • #8
I’ve used bolts that came with headers and been just fine. Most important thing is you run through the torque sequence several times until they all take the same amount and don’t budge. Then tighten again after a couple heat cycles.

If the flange is square and you use a mls style gasket, the bolt style doesn’t matter.
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,157
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#9
  • Jun 27, 2022
  • #9
limp said:
So nobody using the bolts that come with your headers??
Click to expand...

Only because they didn't come with any. (Open box return, $100 off)
 
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limp

wrap a little cheese around it and its a done
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#10
  • Jun 27, 2022
  • #10
96pushrod said:
I’ve used bolts that came with headers and been just fine. Most important thing is you run through the torque sequence several times until they all take the same amount and don’t budge. Then tighten again after a couple heat cycles.

If the flange is square and you use a mls style gasket, the bolt style doesn’t matter.
Click to expand...
The last time I used headers on a car was on my Z28 in the late 70's,,,, Curious on whats new in products..
 
Last edited: Jun 29, 2022

TIGGER

Founding Member
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#11
  • Jun 29, 2022
  • #11
I have Motorsport headers on my Saleen. Stock bolts will not work with those headers as the bolt heads are too big. I went with a set of just standard arp header bolts. Never had an issue. All I did was retorque the bolts after a couple heat cycles. Close to 50k miles now since I put them on.
 
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fun331

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#12
  • Jul 2, 2022
  • #12
limp said:
So nobody using the bolts that come with your headers??
Click to expand...
I'm using the hardware that came with my BBK long tubes. I think they were 12 point bolts with a lock washer on them but it's been 8-9 years since I put them on. No troubles.
 

evintho

20+ Year Stangneter
Nov 12, 2003
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Santa Rosa, CA.
Jul 2, 2022
#13
  • Jul 2, 2022
  • #13
I always recommend locking header bolts as they tend to work themselves loose over time. I've used Stage 8 before with good results but this time I'm gonna try these and see how they work out......

Amazon product ASIN B00GWBZCEUView: https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Gasket-2230G-Headlock-Locking/dp/B00GWBZCEU/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=proform+locking+header+bolts&qid=1638147005&sr=8-6
 

nickyb

I gotta say i never painted my nuts, Never Ever
15 Year Member
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#14
  • Jul 2, 2022
  • #14
If you put bbk headers with there thicker flanges you need longer bolts, I had to get longer ones and went with the locking ones.
 

96pushrod

I think they're a little easier to get off
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May 15, 2018
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#15
  • Jul 2, 2022
  • #15
evintho said:
I always recommend locking header bolts as they tend to work themselves loose over time. I've used Stage 8 before with good results but this time I'm gonna try these and see how they work out......

Amazon product ASIN B00GWBZCEUView: https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Gasket-2230G-Headlock-Locking/dp/B00GWBZCEU/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=proform+locking+header+bolts&qid=1638147005&sr=8-6
Click to expand...
I’ve had good luck with those. The Allen key hole is a lifesaver.
 
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limp

wrap a little cheese around it and its a done
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#16
  • Jul 2, 2022
  • #16
If I try a set, I think it will be the Proform header bolts... There system is a head and washer that have locking tabs that lock against each other, unlike the MR Gasket that grip into the header flange...... No allen head provision though.......
 

limp

wrap a little cheese around it and its a done
5 Year Member
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Jul 17, 2022
#17
  • Jul 17, 2022
  • #17
Ordered and received a set of the 1" Pro Form " wedge" locking bolts.... The header bolts that came with the headers were 1".....
 
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