Locking Header Bolts
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 142
Likes: 1
From: Fort White Florida
Locking Header Bolts
I keep having a problem with header bolts getting loose. I Googled Locking Header Bolts and got lots of results. Are these worth the money? Also I remember reading somewhere may have been here that soaking header gaskets in water for 30 mins before installing them helps keeping the bolts tight. Has anyone tried this and if so what results? Basically I am looking for some input on how to stop this from happening.
Thanks Rick
Thanks Rick
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 11,183
Likes: 3,335
From: North of Toronto - Ontario
Just checked out these "stage 8" bolts and I'd have to agree, seems like a great solution, especially for that price.
If it's the bolts backing off, Drill and safety wire them and be done with it.
If it's the gasket's shrinking/burning out, try to find better gaskets
Mooser
If it's the bolts backing off, Drill and safety wire them and be done with it.
If it's the gasket's shrinking/burning out, try to find better gaskets
Mooser
Last edited by Mooser; Sep 27, 2011 at 09:15 PM. Reason: more information
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,944
Likes: 20
From: The only Corvettes in Highett Victoria
I fitted the Stage 8 bolts to my '74 when I fitted some block hugger headers and have never looked back. Drilling and wiring the bolts will work, but why go to that extent when there is a far simpler solution invented by Stage 8?
Regards from Down Under.
aussiejohn
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,839
Likes: 45
From: nassau co. new york
my experience with stainless bolts and hardware is that without a lock washer or loctite they will loosen up at some point.i went through this with my boat that vibrated and bounced its way to loosening everything.these cars add heat to the equation which makes it even more likely.i just redid my leaking exhaust header gaskets and reused the original steel bolts,coated with anti-seize, with the felpro steel on composite type gasket.i will watch them closely for loosening.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 142
Likes: 1
From: Fort White Florida
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,116
Likes: 5
From: Middleburg Florida
I used these. A bit more expensive than some but they work. Set it and forget it.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/PHP-20004/?rtype=10
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/PHP-20004/?rtype=10
Racer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 315
Likes: 5
From: Sheboygan Wisconsin
I used Stage 8 header bolts on my '74 SB when I installed a set of Hooker Super Comp headers in 1997. I have never had to retighten them and the headers have never leaked. I used Mr. Gasket CopperSEAL exhaust gaskets. Part # 7153. http://www.jegs.com/i/Mr.+Gasket/720/7153/10002/-1
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 142
Likes: 1
From: Fort White Florida
I was looking at the headers this AM I noticed this:
The AC bracket is attached with the header bolt. Is there a after market bracket I can get that will allow me to bypass it being mounted to the header bolt?
The AC bracket is attached with the header bolt. Is there a after market bracket I can get that will allow me to bypass it being mounted to the header bolt?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 142
Likes: 1
From: Fort White Florida
Just to make sure I understand you. I can just eliminate the bolt that currently runs through the bracket and the header and just put the Stage 8 in the header and have no problem with the AC?