Before I install headers... Questions?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 3,280
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From: Virginia Beach Virginia
Before I install headers... Questions?
Now that the manifolds are finally off, I am ready to put the new Dynomax Ceramacoat Headers on! I ask for your experience and advice before I do.
I have a "FelPro" gasket and will be using this. Will I be safe using the bolts provided with the headers? Should I put some sort of anti-seize compound on the bolts before using them? Should some sort of sealant be used between the gasket and the headers? Any and all advice is appreciated for this young learner.
By the way, the headers are going on a ZZZ crate engine with ~20K miles.
Thank you!
Stephen
I have a "FelPro" gasket and will be using this. Will I be safe using the bolts provided with the headers? Should I put some sort of anti-seize compound on the bolts before using them? Should some sort of sealant be used between the gasket and the headers? Any and all advice is appreciated for this young learner.
By the way, the headers are going on a ZZZ crate engine with ~20K miles.
Thank you!
Stephen
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
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Re: Before I install headers... Questions? (VolVette)
I haven't done this on my 69 yet but I did it on a 69 Chevelle a long time ago. I don't recommend anything on the gasket but would suggest using locking bolts I think they are called Stage 8 and Jegs and Summit carry them. The problem we used to have with headers was the bolts to head would loosen over time causing the gaskets to blow out. This was annoying and some used use locking wire and french locks to help until they came up with the Stage 8 type.
Good Luck,
Good Luck,
Racer
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 283
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From: Cedar Rapids Iowa
Re: Before I install headers... Questions? (VolVette)
Well here is my two cents.
First for me I had the fel-pro gasket but I could not get a good seal with it so I then tried the Percy's ''Dead Soft'' Header Gaskets from Jegs it worked great. For bolts I did started off using the bolts supply with the headers, but just for peace of mind I'm putting in a set of APR header bolts. I have had to help a buddy pull a broken bolt off his Firebird and never want to do that again.
First for me I had the fel-pro gasket but I could not get a good seal with it so I then tried the Percy's ''Dead Soft'' Header Gaskets from Jegs it worked great. For bolts I did started off using the bolts supply with the headers, but just for peace of mind I'm putting in a set of APR header bolts. I have had to help a buddy pull a broken bolt off his Firebird and never want to do that again.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 852
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From: Katy TX
Re: Before I install headers... Questions? (VolVette)
Not sure of the bolts that came with the headers but I used allen head bolts on my install. I find it much easier to get the allen wrench on the bolt especially towards the firewall. You will often run into clearance problems trying to turn a wrench on a normal head head bolt.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 2,010
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From: Moon Twp. PA USA
Re: Before I install headers... Questions? (VolVette)
I have been using a FelPro gasket for over 3 years. I also used Stage 8 locking bolts. They have a provision for using either a coventional socket/wrench or an Allen wrench.
Since I have Aluminum heads, I used Anti-seize on the bolts. No sealer on gaskets.
Since I have Aluminum heads, I used Anti-seize on the bolts. No sealer on gaskets.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 3,280
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From: Virginia Beach Virginia
Re: Before I install headers... Questions? (glen242)
I have been using a FelPro gasket for over 3 years. I also used Stage 8 locking bolts. They have a provision for using either a coventional socket/wrench or an Allen wrench.
Since I have Aluminum heads, I used Anti-seize on the bolts. No sealer on gaskets.
Since I have Aluminum heads, I used Anti-seize on the bolts. No sealer on gaskets.
One more question... The top part of the header that connects to the heads, is not flat and I think this would lead to exhaust leaks. Being more specific, the pipes are very slightly higher than the plate that attaches each of the pipes. Should I try to get the surface adjusted to be flat so that I can get a cleaner seal?
Thanks,
Stephen
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 5,768
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From: San Diego CA
Re: Before I install headers... Questions? (VolVette)
WHOA! I guess I should have mentioned that my ZZZ crate engine has aluminum heads! Toying with the headers yesterday, I noticed that the bolts that came with it seem to be a lot smaller than the ones I pulled out. Should I be concerned? Most of the size difference can be attributed to the bolts not having to go through the manifolds but they go directly into block.
One more question... The top part of the header that connects to the heads, is not flat and I think this would lead to exhaust leaks. Being more specific, the pipes are very slightly higher than the plate that attaches each of the pipes. Should I try to get the surface adjusted to be flat so that I can get a cleaner seal?
One more question... The top part of the header that connects to the heads, is not flat and I think this would lead to exhaust leaks. Being more specific, the pipes are very slightly higher than the plate that attaches each of the pipes. Should I try to get the surface adjusted to be flat so that I can get a cleaner seal?
as to the pipes being higher than the flanges, that is to be expected. the purpose of those is to get a good crush seal against the gasket and head. Think of it as a rather crude 'o-ring' type seal - you will notice that the face of that bead is surfaced flat - it is intended to be that way.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 866
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From: Peabody,MA,USA
Re: Before I install headers... Questions? (VolVette)
I am not sure about the felpro gaskets. I would invest in some high quality gaskets. The header bolts come loose because of the gaskets shrinking. If you use a really good gasket then any bolt will not come loose. I use Earl graphoil gaskets and have had no leaks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 8,032
Likes: 20
From: Schaumburg, Il, USA IL
Re: Before I install headers... Questions? (VolVette)
Use the smaller bolts with the header, not the bigger ones with the
old manifolds. Grind any high spots off the header to create a flat surface
for a good seal. Fel pro gaskets should be fine. Use anti seize on the
bolts and snug them up good. Then, snug them up again after the first
heat cycle, the 5th heat cycle, the 10th heat cycle (by now you'll know
which ones are most likely to loosen) the 20th heat cycle, and then about
once a month. Doing that I've never had a blown header gasket. Once
they set you won't have to worry about them. The headers I have on
now have been on for 4 years and I havn't tightened them (or had any
problems) for over 3 years now.
old manifolds. Grind any high spots off the header to create a flat surface
for a good seal. Fel pro gaskets should be fine. Use anti seize on the
bolts and snug them up good. Then, snug them up again after the first
heat cycle, the 5th heat cycle, the 10th heat cycle (by now you'll know
which ones are most likely to loosen) the 20th heat cycle, and then about
once a month. Doing that I've never had a blown header gasket. Once
they set you won't have to worry about them. The headers I have on
now have been on for 4 years and I havn't tightened them (or had any
problems) for over 3 years now.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 10,258
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From: Calif.
Re: Before I install headers... Questions? (VolVette)
You will need to put anti-seize on steel bolts that go into aluminum heads.
As for gaskets, I believe your manufacturer will recommend a header gasket for your application if they're aftermarket pieces. If they're GM heads of some kind I'd use whatever The General uses on them in OEM applications.
Sealer on the gaskets? Well, some folks do and others don't and each will have perfectly plausible reasons for doing so. Or not. Me? I use a very thin smear of Gray Permatex on both sides of my header gaskets around the ports. And I let it set up a couple of minutes before I attach the headers and torque them down. Why? Habit, mostly. But I can't recall the last time I had a gasket-related leak, either.
As for gaskets, I believe your manufacturer will recommend a header gasket for your application if they're aftermarket pieces. If they're GM heads of some kind I'd use whatever The General uses on them in OEM applications.
Sealer on the gaskets? Well, some folks do and others don't and each will have perfectly plausible reasons for doing so. Or not. Me? I use a very thin smear of Gray Permatex on both sides of my header gaskets around the ports. And I let it set up a couple of minutes before I attach the headers and torque them down. Why? Habit, mostly. But I can't recall the last time I had a gasket-related leak, either.
