Header bolts
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Columbus Ohio
Header bolts
Reaching out once more to finish last project of the season.
In an attempt to close up all of my little exhaust leaks, I replaced gaskets on the headers. purchased new arp bolts.
Noticed the original bolt on the front right side was missing... When I attempted to install the new bolt, noticed I couldnt get it to bite into the hole leading me to believe the hole got stripped...
Want to try to install a stud into the head in hopes the 'inner' threads are still ok. Have hooker sidepipes and the original bolts were small so i think I might have a chance here...
What size stud and threading am I looking for to try this?
Doesnt sound bad now.. But leaking air around that port because of the missing bolt..
In an attempt to close up all of my little exhaust leaks, I replaced gaskets on the headers. purchased new arp bolts.
Noticed the original bolt on the front right side was missing... When I attempted to install the new bolt, noticed I couldnt get it to bite into the hole leading me to believe the hole got stripped...
Want to try to install a stud into the head in hopes the 'inner' threads are still ok. Have hooker sidepipes and the original bolts were small so i think I might have a chance here...
What size stud and threading am I looking for to try this?
Doesnt sound bad now.. But leaking air around that port because of the missing bolt..
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Columbus Ohio
Thank you much everyone for posting
Hoping theres some thread left!
If not, I know there are a few options out there, all over my skill level... Dont want to think that way.. That stud is giong to work!
Hoping theres some thread left!
If not, I know there are a few options out there, all over my skill level... Dont want to think that way.. That stud is giong to work!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6,284
Likes: 1,170
From: Hermosa
Once you get that bolt in and tighten all the bolts, drive it for a bit let cool and then re-tighten all the bolts, drive some more let cool and re-tighten. The gasket will compress a bit. If you don't go back and re-tighten then you will develop leaks again.
Regular bolts for headers have a way of loosening over time. So either find a way to make sure they stay tight, come back and check them periodically, or get something like the stage 8 header bolts.
I use the stage eight's and have had no issues with leakage or loosening with them.
I find them a little spendy for what they are, but they do work as advertised and the bolts are stainless. Some modification of the locking cam is necessary depending on your primary size.
Regular bolts for headers have a way of loosening over time. So either find a way to make sure they stay tight, come back and check them periodically, or get something like the stage 8 header bolts.
I use the stage eight's and have had no issues with leakage or loosening with them.
I find them a little spendy for what they are, but they do work as advertised and the bolts are stainless. Some modification of the locking cam is necessary depending on your primary size.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,632
Likes: 112
From: Great Plains Iowa
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Meriden CT
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,632
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From: Great Plains Iowa
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
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50 year old manifolds that are pitted and warped don't seal so well.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,836
Likes: 9
From: Rushsylvania Ohio
Header bolts
Chevrolet never put exhaust gaskets on their engines huh. Ever work on a C6 Vette. All the LS series use an exhaust manifold gasket. Most say to just reuse the stock gasket when putting headers on a C6. Foolish to not use gaskets on a sbc also. Think your out there on an island all by yourself with this one.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 11,094
Likes: 990
From: Sierra Foothills CA
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,632
Likes: 112
From: Great Plains Iowa
Chevrolet never put exhaust gaskets on their engines huh. Ever work on a C6 Vette. All the LS series use an exhaust manifold gasket. Most say to just reuse the stock gasket when putting headers on a C6. Foolish to not use gaskets on a sbc also. Think your out there on an island all by yourself with this one.
I'm referring to the C3's since this is a C3 forum. In the 20 years I was a professional engine builder and the 30 years since I have never used exhaust manifold gaskets. Just because the overhaul gasket sets include them it doesn't mean you have to use them.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,836
Likes: 9
From: Rushsylvania Ohio
Header bolts
Originally Posted by toobroketoretire
I'm referring to the C3's since this is a C3 forum. In the 20 years I was a professional engine builder and the 30 years since I have never used exhaust manifold gaskets. Just because the overhaul gasket sets include them it doesn't mean you have to use them.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,302
Likes: 1,583
From: Western NY
This isn't the first time, he's put out some mis-information, either. Problem is, people come here looking for solid information, and come upon this kind of misinformation, and think it's accurate. It gives the CF a bad reputation....
