[Z06] Which header bolts?
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 15,866
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From: PA
Which header bolts?
Just got a set of XS Power LT's, did a search and a lot of people claim to reuse their stock header bolts. I also read stories of guys breaking stock bolts so I guessing thats not the best idea. Was thinking of just getting ARP bolts, wondering what everyone is using. Also, what gaskets work best? Some metal style gaskets came with the LT's, wasnt sure how good they were. Opinions?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 6,957
Likes: 64
From: South FL
Just got a set of XS Power LT's, did a search and a lot of people claim to reuse their stock header bolts. I also read stories of guys breaking stock bolts so I guessing thats not the best idea. Was thinking of just getting ARP bolts, wondering what everyone is using. Also, what gaskets work best? Some metal style gaskets came with the LT's, wasnt sure how good they were. Opinions?
I would recommend re-torqueing the bolts after a couple hundred miles just to be sure, which I plan on doing.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 405
Likes: 34
From: Forest Hills, New York
gm says to replace the bolts, when you torque the same bolts twice the reading wont be the same cause you strip some of the bolt, not sure why many people cheese out on new bolts. from gm they cost like $40 compared to the $$$$$$$$ you will spend if the bolt breaks.
im also going to install my headers soon, with the ARP STUDS (NOT ARP BOLTS) Gaskets i was thinking of getting comets.
https://www.lgmotorsports.com/corvet...ls-1-pair.html
https://www.lgmotorsports.com/corvet...ead-studs.html
im also going to install my headers soon, with the ARP STUDS (NOT ARP BOLTS) Gaskets i was thinking of getting comets.
https://www.lgmotorsports.com/corvet...ls-1-pair.html
https://www.lgmotorsports.com/corvet...ead-studs.html
Last edited by RomanNYC; May 4, 2016 at 01:18 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 6,957
Likes: 64
From: South FL
If a bolt breaks It costs me zero because I just use an extractor to get it out 
In all seriousness, use whatever makes you feel comfortable. If you feel like you need to stud your headers, go for it. It certainly will make holding the gaskets up a lot easier.
The stock bolts are torqued to 18 ft/lbs, so you aren't talking head studs here. If your stock bolts are in good shape, reuse them and you'll be fine. If they are a rusted mess, then replace them.
Brb, off to spend $60 on ARP headlight shroud bolts...
(Not being a jerk, just having a sense of humor)
In all seriousness, use whatever makes you feel comfortable. If you feel like you need to stud your headers, go for it. It certainly will make holding the gaskets up a lot easier.
The stock bolts are torqued to 18 ft/lbs, so you aren't talking head studs here. If your stock bolts are in good shape, reuse them and you'll be fine. If they are a rusted mess, then replace them.
Brb, off to spend $60 on ARP headlight shroud bolts...
(Not being a jerk, just having a sense of humor)
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 2,724
Likes: 149
From: chicago area IL.
i reuse stock bolts a few times now no problems, i think guys who are braking them are torquing them down to much! IIRC the torque specs are 18ft lbs
if a bolt brakes in the aluminum i just weld a nut to it and get it out (weld wont stick to aluminum) so even if its recessed just fit it with weld and use a socket to get it out works pretty good in tight spots
if a bolt brakes in the aluminum i just weld a nut to it and get it out (weld wont stick to aluminum) so even if its recessed just fit it with weld and use a socket to get it out works pretty good in tight spots
Last edited by Stroker87; May 4, 2016 at 01:52 PM.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 405
Likes: 34
From: Forest Hills, New York
If a bolt breaks It costs me zero because I just use an extractor to get it out
In all seriousness, use whatever makes you feel comfortable. If you feel like you need to stud your headers, go for it. It certainly will make holding the gaskets up a lot easier.
The stock bolts are torqued to 18 ft/lbs, so you aren't talking head studs here. If your stock bolts are in good shape, reuse them and you'll be fine. If they are a rusted mess, then replace them.
Brb, off to spend $60 on ARP headlight shroud bolts...
(Not being a jerk, just having a sense of humor)
In all seriousness, use whatever makes you feel comfortable. If you feel like you need to stud your headers, go for it. It certainly will make holding the gaskets up a lot easier.
The stock bolts are torqued to 18 ft/lbs, so you aren't talking head studs here. If your stock bolts are in good shape, reuse them and you'll be fine. If they are a rusted mess, then replace them.
Brb, off to spend $60 on ARP headlight shroud bolts...
(Not being a jerk, just having a sense of humor)
A stretched bolt also will not hold the same torque load as before, which may cause a loss of clamping force resulting in head gasket leakage
if your going to be an idiot no offence please try not to spread it. its people like you that than come years later and say ohh chevy have a defective head bolt issue because mine broke and ripped a hole in the engine.
Last edited by RomanNYC; May 4, 2016 at 01:56 PM.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: May 2004
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From: PA
I was looking at my stock manifolds & bolts last night and they look pretty rusty. Was concerned about their condition. Think I'll order a new set of stock bolts to be safe. Can't wait to get these on. thanks for the feedback.
thanks for the feedback.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 2,724
Likes: 149
From: chicago area IL.
i would not tell him to reuse HEAD bolts but exhaust manifold bolts sure why not
Last edited by Stroker87; May 4, 2016 at 02:07 PM.
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Racer
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 405
Likes: 34
From: Forest Hills, New York
yeah my mistake i miss read about headers bolts. its still a good idea to change your header bolts as well.
Last edited by RomanNYC; May 4, 2016 at 02:15 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 2,724
Likes: 149
From: chicago area IL.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 405
Likes: 34
From: Forest Hills, New York
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 6,957
Likes: 64
From: South FL
For the record, I have never, and would never reuse HEAD bolts.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Pasco WA
Well, this is just my experience... The first time I installed headers, I reused the stock bolts, and they worked fine. The second time, I did a H/C install, and cross threaded one original bolt on my brand new heads. About a month later, I had to remove those heads, and send them back for a rebuild, due to a valve tip wear problem from manufacturer. The company fixed the heads, including the stripped out header bolt, and sent me a set of ARP studs. Since that time I've dropped the headers three times for various work, and I really love the ease of re-installation with the studs.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 15,866
Likes: 196
From: PA
Well, this is just my experience... The first time I installed headers, I reused the stock bolts, and they worked fine. The second time, I did a H/C install, and cross threaded one original bolt on my brand new heads. About a month later, I had to remove those heads, and send them back for a rebuild, due to a valve tip wear problem from manufacturer. The company fixed the heads, including the stripped out header bolt, and sent me a set of ARP studs. Since that time I've dropped the headers three times for various work, and I really love the ease of re-installation with the studs.
.
Last edited by MY03C5Z; May 4, 2016 at 06:23 PM.
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stock bolts work just fine, I have reused them many times with no issues and they are 10.9 grade just like most other aftermarket replacements out there so you aren't gaining much other than looks... if you want some that look nice there's nothing wrong with that either but other than that or being physically damaged there really isn't a reason to change them out in my experience... I ALWAYS get every bolt started by hand and I will run them down as far as I can with my hand and a socket (no wrench) and then I will torque them down, don't forget antisieze on the threads... I also use nothing but gm mls gaskets... as stated above it's a good idea to retorque them after a few heat cycles
