Black94LT1

I'm getting ready to install a set of JBA headers and in looking at the gaskets and bolts, I'm wondering if I would be better off replacing them with something else to minimize issues later on. The bolts are regular hex head with lock washers and the gaskets appear to be a felt like material with a thin aluminum core.

What do you recommend for bolts and gaskets, including part numbers if you know them? Would copper or aluminum gaskets be a better option and what about locking header bolts?

Thanks,
Preston

Charleston2012

I have used these for years. Been very successful, and never leaked.
http://www.streetperformance.com/par...03-29da3b.html
I use standard 12 point 1 inch arp header bolts. Chrome is pretty , but black works just fine.

MyFirst90coupe

I just bought a set of the Percy deadsoft header gaskets. I asked around and was told they are the best. Got them from Summit for about $30

Black94LT1

I have never seen these before, but they do look like they would be a very good choice.

Percy's aluminum was my initial thought.

Black94LT1

Anyone running the stage 8 locking fasteners? I see Summit has a set of those with gaskets for the LTI, not sure about the quality of the gaskets, so I may opt for a separate set of gaskets and bolts over the kit. I have known of Stage 8 for years, but never known anyone who actually used them.

Midnight 85

I've tried the aluminum ones ,the carbon ones and the copper ones and I am right back to the good old cheap paper gaskets, no certain brand either. If you follow a sequence with the bolts you won't need the lockers but that's JMO. I install the gaskets, tighten them down good, then fire the engine and let them get good & hot. Then I shut it down, let them cool and tighten them again. Then I take the car out for a 10-20 minute run, come back, let them cool & tighten them one last time. If you check with Summit you will find that ARP makes a NASCAR header bolt. It is an ordinary 3/8 bolt with a tiny 5/16 hex head on it, makes it much easier to get a wrench on them in tight spots. Last, if you can, use the 1 inch long bolts, they stay tight much better and go deeper into the head, a big plus with aluminum heads.