Header bolts?
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13,922
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From: WI
Header bolts?
Are there any decent header bolts? I am getting ready to install headers and am wondering. I don't really mind having to retorque often, but if there is a better way I'd like to hear it. How often do you retorque? Percy's exhaust gaskets on the head?
Last edited by Aardwolf; May 4, 2007 at 04:00 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 2,949
Likes: 23
From: Bowling Green KY
I put Stage 8's on mine. After several heating cycles I retorqued and put header locks on. Pricier that way but you do it once.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 32
From: The Top of Utah
You don't need to spend a fortune on gaskets or bolts. The biggest problem with header gasket leaking is caused by the gaskets taking a "set" under the pressure of the bolts in the presents of the heat. The gaskets tend to shrink in thickness, or at least relax the tension on the header bolts. From there two things can happen. The relaxed pressure on the gasket can allow leaks to start, and the relaxed tension can also allow the bolts to back off, making matters worse.
Buy the longest header bolt in the style, 3/8" head. socket head, etc that you prefer. Most SBC header bolts are 3/4" long. Go for at least an inch, and more, if they will fit your set up without bottoming. If your headers came with 3/4" bolts, it will be worth your time and money to get longer bolts, although the 3/4" will work most of the time. Once the installation is complete, re-tighten the header bolts the first few heat cycles. After you've done that a few times, it will become obvious to you when you can stop. Then check them once a week or so. Soon you will be able to forget them. A whole industry of expensive gaskets and bolts has grown up around people just not taking care of business. All you need are decent gaskets, chances are those that came with the headers are good, and a few re-tightenings and you're all set.
RACE ON!!!
Buy the longest header bolt in the style, 3/8" head. socket head, etc that you prefer. Most SBC header bolts are 3/4" long. Go for at least an inch, and more, if they will fit your set up without bottoming. If your headers came with 3/4" bolts, it will be worth your time and money to get longer bolts, although the 3/4" will work most of the time. Once the installation is complete, re-tighten the header bolts the first few heat cycles. After you've done that a few times, it will become obvious to you when you can stop. Then check them once a week or so. Soon you will be able to forget them. A whole industry of expensive gaskets and bolts has grown up around people just not taking care of business. All you need are decent gaskets, chances are those that came with the headers are good, and a few re-tightenings and you're all set.
RACE ON!!!
Last edited by CFI-EFI; May 4, 2007 at 07:23 PM. Reason: Typos
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,254
Likes: 221
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
I'm using Breslin bolts. Nice quality and they don't loosen up. I retorqued after a few hours of run time and haven't touched them again.
http://www.go-breslin.com/text.html
http://www.go-breslin.com/text.html
Large Impressive Member
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
Most everyone has had good results with copper or aluminum gaskets. They're both reusable too which makes them a good long-term investment. For header bolts I simply obtained 3/8 NC x 1" stainless bolts with a 5/16" allen head. The allen head will provide as good of clearance to the pipes as you're going to get. You should be able to get these from any bolt specialty store such as Fastenal or one like it. All 12 of them shouldn't run $10.
