For those of you with Hooker shorty headers (or any other aftermarket headers), what bolts are you using? Should I use the ones that come with the headers, or should I get some better ones? What about header gaskets?

 

The header bolts you use will depend on how well you can get to them. I'm using hooker 2151 long tubes, these won't allow you to get a socket or the box end of a wrench onto 12 point bolts. This means you can never get them tight enough and they back out and disappear.

The 12 point's that I had were also stainless, I couldn't ever keep them tight. I replaced them with ARP 6 point non-stainless bolts. I coated the threads with ARP assembly lube and installed them with a pair of copper gaskets. The copper gasket acts as somewhat of a lock washer as it keeps a pressure against the header and the bolt. Once properly tightened it won't leak and they won't back out.

The ARP assembly lube just helps you get the bolts tighter without having to fight them. The bolts that actually come with the 2151's are non stainless 6-points and such would work just fine. The copper gasket will never blow out or leak if you can ever get it tight enough in the first place. The only problem is that it can be difficult to get it tight enough, and thus they will leak.

A lot of people have bad experiences with copper gaskets. I did to at first until I figured out how to get the bolts tight. After that I've had no trouble.

 

Stage 8. You can get a wrench on them and they lock. :thumbs:

 

After fighting with the typical header bolt options, I ended up finding an SS ARP bolt set that is a flange bolt with a smaller 1/4" head. (pretty sure that's the head size) Bottom line is that you CAN use a 1/4" drive socket set on them. With aluminum heads, you can get more than enough torque with that small ratchet set. I run the Cometic gaskets on the intake, heads, and headers. Good S%$*. ! :cheers:

 

With my TPIS long tubes I reused my exhaust manifold bolts and they work fine. I used a set of Victor reinz gaskets from NAPA and have been really impressed.

 

If I get the stage 8 locking bolts, should I go with the 3/4 inch or 1 inch? I guess they don't make studs, for the 2 brackets on the driver side and the dipstick on the passenger side. I guess I'll clean up the old studs and nuts for those 3.

 

Save yourself some leaking exhaust problem down the road. DO NOT use the gasket that come with it. Use Felpro gasket other similar header gasket only. The header gasket come with it will last a few months before it blow and burned out. I never have any problem with Felpro gasket.


Bruce