I have a set of shorty headers on my pickup (SBC). It seems like about every two to three weeks I have to tighten up loose header bolts. The first time burned out the set of cheap paper gaskets that came with the headers. I replaced them with the soft copper ones. Anybody ever use the Stage 8 locking header bolts? They are the ones that come with a piece that slips over the head of the bolt and fits snug against the header pipe, then has a "C" clip that hold the piece in place. I even thought about Loctite or something similar but none of the different formulas they had a the Summit retail store here in Reno mentioned the ability to survive temps above 300 Deg or so. Short of putting a tack weld on each, which I wouldn't do, though I am ready to :af: , any suggestions? Thanks folks.
I've found that most of the time the reason for header bolts "working" loose, is because the gasket itself is sinking or compressing - allowing the bolts to become loose. You DO need to retorque header bolts multiple times after a few heat cycles until the bolts no longer feel loose. I now no longer have to retorque mine, but it took almost a year of off-and-on checking on the bolts to make sure they were tight. I even find myself checking when I have the hood open just to make sure. I have changed too many blown header gaskets to let another one leak on me because I forgot to retorque the bolts.
I cured my problem by just getting new bolts. The old ones were rusty and wouldn't hold torque. Put the new bolts on with a compressable gasket and tightenen them up. Drive for an hour, let cool, retighten, repeat 2 more times. No more problems. No leaks for over 6 months. C.J.
If the headers are cheepies they will never stay tight. Are the flanges flimsy and thin with a welded bead to seal the gasket. If thats what they are forget it, you'll never keep them tight.
I think you're right. I put 50K on a set of Hookers and never retorqued them or had to do anything. I did use a little loctitie on the tip and anti-seize on the rest. The flanges are thick, at least a 1/4 inch.
I went with the Stage 8 bolts and replced the old ones Sunday. Don't know the manufacturer of the headers as they were Summit private labled. I can say this about them though, the flanges are at least 1/4" thick, the tubes seem quite thick and they fit absolutely perfectly. I didn't need to 'adjust' anything at all about them. Just bolted them on, put the stock exhaust pipes up to them and tightened everything up. Literally it was like replacing stock manifolds with new stock manifolds. Everything fit like it was supposed to. That is with doubt, the easiest time I ever had installing headers. I've installed plenty of sets, both name brands and no-name specials. I have had nearly as much trouble getting some name brands to 'fit' as with the cheapos. A little judiciuos application of hammer, some heating and bending, etc. These aren't cheapo Chinese specials. I have to agree those C-clips were kind of tough on a couple bolts but overall, not a bad time. Maybe a total of 30 minutes? :beer Thanks for the replies!
H eader bolts First, Drill the header bolts for saftey wires, then install them with anti seize compound and saftey wire them .
http://www.whizwheels.com/Tips/safetywiring.html all you ever wanted to know about safety wires. i'm suprised someone hasn't made a steel metal plate with bend over tabs to lock along one of the flats of the bolt. espically the SBC guys with headers. woulden't cost too much.
I think a lot of the problem with bolts coming loose is the gaskets compressing, not the bolts backing out.
oo i bought a set of hooker super comp headers for my sbb. they came with hooker gaskets. now i need bolts.. whats a good brand to buy? and what size will i need?
So Far So Good!! The Stage 8 bolts seem to have cured the problem I had. I can strongly recommend them.
I have had good luck with my Hooker headers, by using Breslin "Split Lock " Locking bolts. I used them in conjunction with Fel Pro High Performance exhaust gasket # 1479. I believe it has a metal core, sandwiched between two graphite sealing surfaces. The Breslin part number is # 200-077. It comes with the correct size, and number of bolts to do the Buicks. I bought them on this board a while back. 16: 3/8" - 16 X 3/4" . I have not had to retighten. Look them up on the web. I hope this helps. Regards, John. :TU:
So, I am over 4000 miles later and NO LEAKING!! No retorquing necessary since the Stage 8's went in! I've only ever used regular bolts up to now but I can say, these plus dead soft copper gaskets will go into every header install I do from now on! :beer
Just installed a set of Stage 8 bolts on my TA 350 headers!! Very happy with them! As stated in prior threads, those C clips are a definate pain in the but. A few certainly went flying. Also, whe ordereing them, you will be two bolts short, because they are for sbc which uses two less bolts. I recommend them.
All this sophisticated stuff may work but I have to say I concur with Adam. Keep after them and eventually they will stay tight. Been there done that. No T shirt available.
