Re-torque headers
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 289
Likes: 1
From: Valley Springs SD
Re-torque headers
I am thinking about getting headers and sidepipes for my 77 and was discussing this with a mechanic friend of mine and he said that I would need to re-torque the headers a couple times a year. Is that a known problem, does everyone else retorque them or is he being over protective?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,640
Likes: 287
From: Ann Arbor Michigan
Buy a good multi layer dead soft aluminum or copper header gasket along with Stage 8 locking header bolts (or simular) and you'll never have a leak and never have to retorque the bolts. I've had my headers and sidepipes for 7 years and never had a leak or bolt issue with this setup. 
GW
GW
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
i have never retorqued mine (4-5 yrs)....do make sure though that they are not bottoming out before they have tightened all the way down though
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 5,768
Likes: 3
From: San Diego CA
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Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,874
Likes: 7
From: l In
I am thinking about getting headers and sidepipes for my 77 and was discussing this with a mechanic friend of mine and he said that I would need to re-torque the headers a couple times a year. Is that a known problem, does everyone else retorque them or is he being over protective?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,456
Likes: 102
From: Piedmont Va
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13,'19-'20
Definitely check them after each of the first 4-5 warm ups..if they dont come loose at all you should be good......no sense in one backing all the way out and blowing the gasket...
ask me how I know?If they are backing out keep checking/snugging them and maybe consider some magic bolts and gaskets as suggested above if they dont eventually hold.
peace
Racer
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 434
Likes: 3
From: Cleveland Ohio
Here's what you need. Way easier than the stage 8 bolts. They are a little pricey but will never come loose.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/PHP-21003/
Just verify the size you need.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/PHP-21003/
Just verify the size you need.
