Why SS bolts? Why?
Trick Flow Heads - No Anti-Seize??
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,424
Likes: 0
From: Lakeland FL
Trick Flow Heads - No Anti-Seize??
I have a set of brand new Trick Flow aluminum heads on my engine. In a couple places in the Trick Flow head instructions, they are adamant that you should never use anti-seize on any bolts going into the heads. They recommend only using a coating of motor oil. Does anybody know why they would recommend against using anti-seize? Everything else I've ever read highly recommends using anti-seize due to the bolt and head being different metals. I am putting mostly stainless steel bolts into the heads and don't want to have to redo them later. So far all I have in is the intake bolts and I only used the coating of oil as they recommended but I'm wondering if I'm going to see oil seepage around the bolts.
Anybody have any thoughts on this?
Anybody have any thoughts on this?
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,142
Likes: 54
From: Taylor Michigan
The bolts are going into cast iron. same as if the heads were cast iron instead pof aluminum. However if you have to stud anywhere on the heads {threaded holes} anti seize would be in order. For example spark plugs, use anti seize...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 952
Likes: 0
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,424
Likes: 0
From: Lakeland FL
I was referring mostly to the header bolts, accessory bolts, spark plugs, etc. The intake bolts are into the aluminum heads as well. Trick Flow says anti-seize is a "no no" for these. I just don't understand why. I'll probably contact them tomorrow for clarification.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,926
Likes: 739
From: Youngstown Ohio
I was referring mostly to the header bolts, accessory bolts, spark plugs, etc. The intake bolts are into the aluminum heads as well. Trick Flow says anti-seize is a "no no" for these. I just don't understand why. I'll probably contact them tomorrow for clarification.
Last edited by C3 Stroker; Jul 20, 2008 at 12:46 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,360
Likes: 429
From: Seattle Area WA
The issue is more than likely galvanic corrosion depending upon the anti seize used. It's possible to wear the actual thread out. As long as you use a graphite based anti seize there shouldn't be an issue. I would check if they have any concern with SS in their aluminum alloy too.
Last edited by Scott Marzahl; Jul 20, 2008 at 04:27 PM.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,246
Likes: 1
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,424
Likes: 0
From: Lakeland FL
For what it's worth:
Trick Flow Tech response about not using anti-seize:
You need a certain amount of friction to acquirer the proper torque. When you use anti-seize you cant acquirer the proper friction so you over torque and you either pull out the threads or don’t achieve proper torque.
Trick Flow Tech response about using stainless steel bolts:
You should be fine.
I'm not sure I'm in agreement with the anti-seize explanation; maybe if a person just gobbed it in there? I would think a light coating would not cause a problem and am still leaning toward using it.
Trick Flow Tech response about not using anti-seize:
You need a certain amount of friction to acquirer the proper torque. When you use anti-seize you cant acquirer the proper friction so you over torque and you either pull out the threads or don’t achieve proper torque.
Trick Flow Tech response about using stainless steel bolts:
You should be fine.
I'm not sure I'm in agreement with the anti-seize explanation; maybe if a person just gobbed it in there? I would think a light coating would not cause a problem and am still leaning toward using it.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 428
Likes: 0
For what it's worth:
Trick Flow Tech response about not using anti-seize:
You need a certain amount of friction to acquirer the proper torque. When you use anti-seize you cant acquirer the proper friction so you over torque and you either pull out the threads or don’t achieve proper torque.
Trick Flow Tech response about using stainless steel bolts:
You should be fine.
I'm not sure I'm in agreement with the anti-seize explanation; maybe if a person just gobbed it in there? I would think a light coating would not cause a problem and am still leaning toward using it.
Trick Flow Tech response about not using anti-seize:
You need a certain amount of friction to acquirer the proper torque. When you use anti-seize you cant acquirer the proper friction so you over torque and you either pull out the threads or don’t achieve proper torque.
Trick Flow Tech response about using stainless steel bolts:
You should be fine.
I'm not sure I'm in agreement with the anti-seize explanation; maybe if a person just gobbed it in there? I would think a light coating would not cause a problem and am still leaning toward using it.
Did Trick Flow have an explanation of why it's ok to put a coating of motor oil on the threads?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,918
Likes: 27
From: New Hill NC
For what it's worth:
Trick Flow Tech response about not using anti-seize:
You need a certain amount of friction to acquirer the proper torque. When you use anti-seize you cant acquirer the proper friction so you over torque and you either pull out the threads or don’t achieve proper torque.
Trick Flow Tech response about using stainless steel bolts:
You should be fine.
I'm not sure I'm in agreement with the anti-seize explanation; maybe if a person just gobbed it in there? I would think a light coating would not cause a problem and am still leaning toward using it.
Trick Flow Tech response about not using anti-seize:
You need a certain amount of friction to acquirer the proper torque. When you use anti-seize you cant acquirer the proper friction so you over torque and you either pull out the threads or don’t achieve proper torque.
Trick Flow Tech response about using stainless steel bolts:
You should be fine.
I'm not sure I'm in agreement with the anti-seize explanation; maybe if a person just gobbed it in there? I would think a light coating would not cause a problem and am still leaning toward using it.
Sounds like their FOS.
NCM Grand Opening Veteran
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,979
Likes: 384
From: South of giving a damn
St. Jude Donor '11, '17
If you are talking about torqued bolts, such as the head bolts themselves, then follow the bolt manufacturers recommendations. (You are using ARP, right?) ARP bolts have torque specs based upon whether you are using oil or their lube, they don't have specs for anti-seize coating. On non-torqued bolts, do what you want.
