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Stage 8's are a PITA. What I use are Mr. Gasket header bolts with a reduced hex of 3/8" instead of the normal header bolt that has a 7/16" head. I also use their special header bolt lock washers. With this combo, I can easily get a 1/4" drive socket on ALL the bolts on my '94 and have NEVER had a bolt back out or had an exhaust leak in the nine years that I've had them. And that's with having them off and on more times than I can count (for performance work, not because they were leaking).
It is a good idea to retighten after the first half dozen or so heat cycles. The bolts loosen from the gaskets being compressed and taking a "set". Even Stage 8's can't prevent that.
I use the ARP stainless header bolts. They have a 5/16" head so it's easy to get a wrench on them and they won't rust due to the thermo cycling like a standard header bolt...just make sure to retighten them a few times after the engine runs and cools off...sets the gaskets then you won't have a problem.
All the ones I've ever seen including the set I put on my JBA headers on my TBI Blazer were cad plated steel...the concept is pretty good but I wouldn't use them on Corvette headers that don't have alot of room to get to the bolt..I like the ARP reduced head size so much better...just my opinion though..
well ya better call first they were out of stock of the small head 1" stainless header bolts as of thursday.. and on back order till later this month ... i just ordered my header gaskets and such last weds and they told me this.. said they were not sure when they would have stock again ... good luck ..
well ya better call first they were out of stock of the small head 1" stainless header bolts as of thursday.. and on back order till later this month ... i just ordered my header gaskets and such last weds and they told me this.. said they were not sure when they would have stock again ... good luck ..
I just talked to Summit and they have Stage8 P/N 8951 in stock....these are 3/8-16x1" 6pt, stainless steel...$69.95
That price (69.95) from Summit seems to be higher than the price I paid from Merle when I ordered my headers. IIRC, I paid 49.95 from EM. The only problem with the Stage 8s that my installation shop noted, was that the locks didn't always work "as is". Some had to be ground down to fit properly against the primary.
WOW!!! That's a lot of money to spend for bolts, when a $10.00-$15.00 set will do as well.
RACE ON!!!
Geez I hate to waste money, but I want it to work the first time and hopefully last for years......
Plan on going with Felpro 1406 gaskets with Stage8 8951 ss bolts
I hope the "locking" feature of the Stage8's really work......
Is there really something for $10-15 that will really do the job, Bud screwed up again....I just ordered them for $62 from Powerhouse Performance.....
Perfusion, I wonder what the $49 ones were from EM, you are right, thats what Merle quoted me, plus shipping....do you have part number, were they ss or plated??
I used allen socket head S/S 1" bolts. With these I can even use a torque wrench on the bolts. Don't forget to use high temp anti-seize on the bolts. With the right torque, they don't seem to loosen.
Geez I hate to waste money, but I want it to work the first time and hopefully last for years......
Plan on going with Felpro 1406 gaskets with Stage8 8951 ss bolts
I hope the "locking" feature of the Stage8's really work......
Is there really something for $10-15 that will really do the job,
I have no doubt the locking feature will work and keep the bolts from turning. But that doesn't mean they will stay tight. Go back to my opening post of this thread, #5, and reread.
Conventional header bolts will work just as well. Use the longest bolts that don't bottom out and keep them tight through the first half dozen heat cycles, or so and you'll be happier and richer.
It is a good idea to retighten after the first half dozen or so heat cycles. The bolts loosen from the gaskets being compressed and taking a "set". Even Stage 8's can't prevent that.
RACE ON!!!
I have a question along the same line as this thread, hope it's ok. My builder put Tight fit headers on my new motor without gaskets, just used the Right Stuff. But I still seem have some minor leaks at the headers, he told me that gaskets burn up. Does this sound right to you guys? I have the 23º TFS. heads. If not what gaskets to go with? Thanks.