F Those center header bolts!!!!

Now on my car I find the its the other way around......but my motor is moved rearward so that might change things

 

Wow....this thread created from my frustration, bloody knuckles and extensive use of the English language has offered some GREAT advice! My saving grace last night....my 15 year old son....who is taller, thinner, longer arms and fingers.....and way more patience then me....we got r done!

 

These are the only header bolts anyone should be using..

6 point 3/8 wrenching, Stainless.

https://arp-bolts.com/kits/arpkit-detail.php?RecordID=2023

Pack of 16, so when you drop two of them, and they grow legs and run like hell, you still have enough to finish.

I like the 3/4" ones for use with standard header gaskets or exhaust manifold gaskets..if using the extra thick remflex gaskets, then you can order the 1" long set..

JW

 

I used to use a socket head cap screw for the headers on my old 69 camaro. Shortened up an eL hex key and it worked fine.

 

They can be installed in or out of the car. Either way ya gotta fight with that bolt

 

Ok good to know! I'd rather fight with that bolt with the engine on a stand rather than in the car.

 

I did what hugger suggested using hose, plus opened the hole up, plus got a cheap wrench and with heat.

 

Don’t forget on TA Stage 2 AL heads, 4 of the holes aren’t as deep. I think I had to use different lengths when using Remflex gaskets and TA 2-1/4” headers on Stage 2 heads when I upgraded the headers last year.

 

LOL, they do try yer patience
I lay at the front of the engine and weasle my arm/hand from the front of the engine to that some bitch bolt, get a few turns, stare at the oil pan or balancer, then change wrenches, I bought a long 3/8-5/16 gear wrench that helps a bit once the bolt gets some drag on it, then I remove the left front tire and go in from there with a 1/4 drive ratchet for a bit, then back on the floor at the front of the engine.

 

I ran into this very problem when I put reflex on too......I was very surprised to find 4 holes needed shorter bolts

 

Ya, the outer holes on the Stage 2 heads require no longer than 3/4 bolts.. you can still use the 1" bolts, but those outer ones require 3 AN washers on them, with the remflex gasket. No go with the thinner paper header gaskets.

JW

 

You guys need to show those middle header bolts some love..❤

 

Beer helps too

 

now speaking of header bolts in general, on cast iron heads...with TA composite gaskets, do you torque them to a specific torque? Or tighten them as tight as you can with the 6 inch length 7/16 wrench?

 

Lol.....was just curious....I tightened them all using stage 8 locks. U just end up tightening them bit harder to get the stage 8 lock to work right

 

Factory manifold without gaskets were 25ftlb

 

I've had some SS ARP ones fall right TF out, and others loosen-up no matter how many times it seemed like I re-torqued them. Now I use red Loctite, and the problem is gone. And yes, you can still remove them. Loctite is just glue.