Stainless header bolts and Aluminum heads??

[Insane3D]

I've assembled all the pieces for my exhaust job that I am planning on doing this weekend, but now I'm a bit worried. I'm installing a Bassani OR X and a set of FRPP ceramic shorty headers, and I picked up a set of ARP 12 point stainless bolts for the headers, but now I'm hearing I will destroy the threads if I use stainless in aluminum? I have some copper anti-sieze...will that help?

I had heard about stainless and aluminum not liking each other, but when I called Ford before about using stainless steel valve cover bolts on my GT40 X heads, they said I would be fine?

So, which is it?

 

[Stang8URMPRT]

I used all Stainless ARP Hardware on my AFRs... No problems. Also, a good idea is to throw some non-permanent thread lock on the header bolts to keep them from backing out and constantly having to tighten them.

 

[Ranchero5.0]

With a coating of RTV silicone or never seize you will be fine in this application. Usually the corrosion problems come up on pumps, etc and take a while to occur.

Jamie

 

[Insane3D]

Thanks guys...

I did pick up a big bottle of the copper antiseize...should I just use some of that? I'm going to need to switch of the Bassani every time inspection time rolls around, so I'm trying to make my job easier by using that on everything...

 

[bluevenom867]

Thanks guys...

I did pick up a big bottle of the copper antiseize...should I just use some of that? I'm going to need to switch of the Bassani every time inspection time rolls around, so I'm trying to make my job easier by using that on everything...

Thats what I used on my header bolts.No corrosion problems.
MAKE SURE YOU CHECK YOUR BOLTS NOW AND THEN,OR THEY WILL LOOSEN OR EVEN FALL OUT!

 

[5spd GT]

Thats what I used on my header bolts.No corrosion problems.
MAKE SURE YOU CHECK YOUR BOLTS NOW AND THEN,OR THEY WILL LOOSEN OR EVEN FALL OUT!

Yep...I used copper antiseize on my Stage 8 Locking Header Bolts (without the locks) in my aluminum AFR's...They tried to back out for about a month and then one day after I torqued them down they didn't anymore and haven't since (10 months later)...

If your headers are flat (trued) they will seal and hold the bolts even better.

 

[Stang8URMPRT]

Like I said.. I use non permanent thread lock, and I never have had a set come loose. Whatcha think they use at the factory? Thread lock. That's why my 90 has never had the headers off and they have never leaked after 99,580 miles.

 

[5spd GT]

Personally I would use an antiseize in any bolt going into aluminum to prevent galling overtime. If you were to use loc-tite of any sort I would use the "blue" loctite because it will be easier on the threads when/if you remove the bolts later for something else.

 

[tomabram]

All heads come with steel bolts from the factory. Not a problem. They are the strongest and the best to use.

 

[maverick0716]

If you're using the Edelbrock heads they have steel Heli coils so it's not as big of a deal.

 

[vristang]

I have never heard of Al corrosion being a problem on cars. Aircraft yes, especially when in contact with Carbon/Epoxy. I would be more worried about over torque issues. It's alot easier to strip the threads than I thought it would be.
I would use anti-seize. The factory may use thread locker, but that is with cast iron heads. I am not sure if thread locker would cause problems with the Al or not, just want to suggest it as a potential issue.

 

[Insane3D]

If you're using the Edelbrock heads they have steel Heli coils so it's not as big of a deal.

Nope...GT40 X305 heads...

 

[Insane3D]

I have never heard of Al corrosion being a problem on cars. Aircraft yes, especially when in contact with Carbon/Epoxy. I would be more worried about over torque issues. It's alot easier to strip the threads than I thought it would be.
I would use anti-seize. The factory may use thread locker, but that is with cast iron heads. I am not sure if thread locker would cause problems with the Al or not, just want to suggest it as a potential issue.

Thanks....it seems the consensus is it's fine as long as you use anti sieze. I've got a bottle of the copper 2000F stuff, so I'll make sure to use that.