Engine Locking header bolts

[limp]

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]

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.

 

[96pushrod]

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.

 

[Mustang5L5]

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]

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.

I thought these breslens looked a bit much.....

 

[96pushrod]

I thought these breslens looked a bit much.....

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]

So nobody using the bolts that come with your headers??

 

[96pushrod]

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]

So nobody using the bolts that come with your headers??

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

 

[limp]

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.

The last time I used headers on a car was on my Z28 in the late 70's,,,, Curious on whats new in products..

 

[TIGGER]

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.

 

[fun331]

So nobody using the bolts that come with your headers??

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]

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]

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 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

I’ve had good luck with those. The Allen key hole is a lifesaver.

 

[limp]

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]

Ordered and received a set of the 1" Pro Form " wedge" locking bolts.... The header bolts that came with the headers were 1".....