Header Gaskets and Bolts
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 243
Likes: 0
From: Miami Fl
Header Gaskets and Bolts
I installed Pacesetter headers on my LT-1 a month ago and the bolts got loose and I blow the Gasket where could i get a good header gasket and I was thinging about putting the Stage8 bolts http://www.stage8.com do they work ??
Thanks
:flag
Thanks
:flag
Instructor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 209
Likes: 0
Re: Header Gaskets and Bolts (YellowC4)
YellowC4, I haven't used them personally, some friends have and they seem to work. Just a note of caution, most header gaskets have a tendency to shrink after a few heat cycles which is another reason why header bolts get loose (besides vibration). So, even if you use the stage8 bolts you ought to remove the locks after a week or so and retighten the bolts, they put locks back on. As for me, I'm old fashioned. I like the tried and true cross drilling the head of the header bolt and then safety wiring them in place. If you do a neat job with some stainless steel wire it looks kind of cool. Just another way to keep from blowing header gaskets... :yesnod:
Pro
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 587
Likes: 0
From: Phx/but its a dry blast furnace kinda heat AZ
Re: Header Gaskets and Bolts (YellowC4)
Good discussion raised. I'm getting ready to install my Hooker shorties and have been wondering if this would be a problem. Also, I'm not happy with the gaskets that came with the Hookers and will likely get some of the multi-layered FelPro's unless someone has a better recommendation.
The Stage 8 bolts look like what I need for securing the headers and collectors, although they sure are pricey! Another alternative is the ARP's but they don't have any locking mechanism like the Stage8s, that I've seen.
The Stage 8 bolts look like what I need for securing the headers and collectors, although they sure are pricey! Another alternative is the ARP's but they don't have any locking mechanism like the Stage8s, that I've seen.
Pro
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 548
Likes: 0
From: Alton VA
Re: Header Gaskets and Bolts (khornet)
When I installed my Hookers I used the blue Felpro gaskets (#?) and stainless ARP bolts. It was a really tight fit without any locking gizmo's and I haven't had any loosen on me yet. (knock on wood)
Bolts were PN 400-1101.
[Modified by vetsvette, 1:59 AM 5/7/2002]
[Modified by vetsvette, 2:00 AM 5/7/2002]
Bolts were PN 400-1101.
[Modified by vetsvette, 1:59 AM 5/7/2002]
[Modified by vetsvette, 2:00 AM 5/7/2002]
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,952
Likes: 2
From: Little Rock Arkansas
Re: Header Gaskets and Bolts (Vince Ivanc)
For header gaskets I recommend Mr. Gasket's "Copperseal" gaskets...Get the D-port version for your motor. They last forever, I've been using the same set since 97 on three different motors! Eventually they will get hard (if you take the motor apart numerous times, that is) and won't seal as well... Pop them in your oven when the wife's not looking and cook them at 450 for about an hour. That will make them soft again. They don't blow out and seal better than any other I've used. For bolts I use stainless ARP 12 pt bolts. After a heat cycle I retighten and never have exhaust leaks.
-Jeb Burnett
-Jeb Burnett
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 9,713
Likes: 3
From: Sachse Texas
Cruise-In I Veteran
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Header Gaskets and Bolts (jburnett)
I use the copper header gaskets too. A little orange RTV on them on install and they seal great. I am using a mix of the bolts that cam with the headers, some allen head bolts, and the stock bolts for the ones that hold brackets.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,019
Likes: 0
From: down that one road next to that big tree
Re: Header Gaskets and Bolts (Vette92)
SCE and perceys make GREAT gaskets, i almost favor alum over copper, it's thicker. bolts shake loose, the weakest locktight you can find might be a good idea. don't get the super strong stuff !!
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Header Gaskets and Bolts (YellowC4)
The Stage8s are great so long as all header tubes are close enough to the bolt for the half-moon washer to catch. Otherwise they will back out over time.
I use them with the TES on the IROC and one tube doesn't hold (of course the hardest one to get at, #8 rear).
I use them with the TES on the IROC and one tube doesn't hold (of course the hardest one to get at, #8 rear).
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,013
Likes: 0
From: Pa
Re: Header Gaskets and Bolts (YellowC4)
I have used many different header gaskets.
COPPER GASKETS RULE!!!
Use them on your collectors also.
Unless you enjoy exhaust leaks and replacing gaskets. :smash:
COPPER GASKETS RULE!!!
Use them on your collectors also.
Unless you enjoy exhaust leaks and replacing gaskets. :smash:
Pro
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 587
Likes: 0
From: Phx/but its a dry blast furnace kinda heat AZ
Re: Header Gaskets and Bolts (YellowC4)
Try Checker Auto or Checkerauto.com (I know they go by different names in various parts of the country). PepBoys can probably get them if they don't stock them also.
Also, check out the gaskets that have the hooks on them (I think I've seen them on both the Felpro and Mr. Gasket's). You set the header in place loosely with the outer two bolts, then slide the gasket in between. The hooks position the gasket for you using the outer bolts. Then you install the rest of the bolts and torque down.:cool:
I'm ordering my Stage8 bolts later today. I want as few headaches as possible after the install so I'll pay the extra $$$.
[Modified by khornet, 8:11 AM 5/8/2002]
Also, check out the gaskets that have the hooks on them (I think I've seen them on both the Felpro and Mr. Gasket's). You set the header in place loosely with the outer two bolts, then slide the gasket in between. The hooks position the gasket for you using the outer bolts. Then you install the rest of the bolts and torque down.:cool:
I'm ordering my Stage8 bolts later today. I want as few headaches as possible after the install so I'll pay the extra $$$.
[Modified by khornet, 8:11 AM 5/8/2002]
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,952
Likes: 2
From: Little Rock Arkansas
Re: Header Gaskets and Bolts (YellowC4)
Well, any good speed shop should stock them and if they don't, they should be able to get them within a day. We sell them... Or, if you have an O'Reilly's in your neck of the woods, I've seen them there as well. The ones you want are the Mr. Gasket "Copperseal" gaskets. Make sure you get the D-port ones for your motor.
-Jeb Burnett
-Jeb Burnett
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 9,713
Likes: 3
From: Sachse Texas
Cruise-In I Veteran
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Header Gaskets and Bolts (jburnett)
I got mine from Internet Racers Supply a long while back. They still show to carry them. Part # MRG-7154 for the LT1, $38.95.
Chris
Chris
