Thinking about installing headers?

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Mar 18, 2009 | 12:29 PM

Demonic85

Thread Starter

Team Owner

Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 24,460

Likes: 7

From: sw Ohio

Thinking about installing headers?

To all those who plan on installing headers in the future or even those that have already done so, use LOCKING HEADER BOLTS!

I made the mistake of using the regular Mr. Gasket header bolts and followed the correct procedure of tightening them after the each start/cool down for about a month. I figured everything was fine since they werent getting loose anymore. Wrong! I just lost 2 bolts, yes they just fell out and now I have an exhaust leak. This happened after installing them over a year ago. Dont make the same mistake, its worth the extra $20 to get the locking header bolts.

Mar 18, 2009 | 12:31 PM

billybonesmusic

Pro

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 557

Likes: 0

From: chiefland fl

here here! or at least ugly locking washers people dont realize how metal stretches going from hot to cold like you i learned the hard way!

Mar 18, 2009 | 12:34 PM

T. Wayne Nelson

Racer

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 493

Likes: 0

From: Eden Utah

Same thing happened to me, put the locking peices on over a year ago, but, also used copper gaskets, and I have not had a leak since..Get er done..

Mar 18, 2009 | 01:10 PM

Aardwolf

Race Director

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 13,924

Likes: 700

From: WI

I reused the stock bolts and nothing hass loosened over the last year so far.

Mar 18, 2009 | 01:32 PM

Kubs

Le Mans Master

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 9,662

Likes: 3,369

From: Akron Ohio

2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified

2024 C5 of the Year Winner - Modified

2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified

2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified

St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aardwolf

I reused the stock bolts and nothing hass loosened over the last year so far.

You have the TPiS headers correct? I am using my stock bolts also. It hasnt been long but no loosening here.

Mar 18, 2009 | 02:44 PM

rickneworleansla

Le Mans Master

Joined: Aug 2004

Posts: 5,141

Likes: 7

From: Metairie Louisiana

Quote:

Originally Posted by Demonic85

To all those who plan on installing headers in the future or even those that have already done so, use LOCKING HEADER BOLTS!

I bought the Stage 8 header bolts with my EM headers. They have clips that keep the bolts from backing out. At first I didn't put the clips in because they had to be shaved a bit. I had exhaust leaks and had to keep re tightening the bolts. I finally got around to modifying the clips and installing them. They've now been in for over two years with zero leaks.

[IMG]