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Old Jul 30, 2007 | 05:34 PM
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Default Header bolts?

Which new header bolts should be used when installing a set of shorty headers? Anyone have any experiences good / bad?

Thanks!
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Old Jul 30, 2007 | 05:52 PM
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I reused my stock bolts, and I'm on my second set of long tubes. I wasn't aware that header bolts needed to be replaced. I know HEAD bolts do.
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Old Jul 30, 2007 | 07:55 PM
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Originally Posted by Z06Electron
I reused my stock bolts, and I'm on my second set of long tubes. I wasn't aware that header bolts needed to be replaced. I know HEAD bolts do.
I re-used mine too and no issues at all.

Also use the GM gaskets. They do an excellent job. You might even be able to re-use your old ones if they are in good enough shape. I went with new GM since it's cheap insurance. They are not very expensive.
HTH
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Old Jul 30, 2007 | 09:52 PM
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I reused my bolts as well.
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Old Jul 31, 2007 | 08:26 AM
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ARP header studs are nice; at about $100 they are expensive for bolts, but do make things easier on install.

Reduce the risk of cross-threading bolts as well, an important consideration for a ham-handed monkey like myself


Last edited by BudgetPlan1; Jul 31, 2007 at 08:29 AM.
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Old Jul 31, 2007 | 10:54 AM
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Thanks! Looks like I'll just reuse mine
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Old Jul 31, 2007 | 10:57 AM
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Factory bolts are fine for factory gaskets. Like said above, use early model factory GM round port gaskets. Order them for a 99 coupe and you will get the correct gasket. Later oval port gaskets won't always seal under a header. The normal "header" gasket is a fiber type gasket that will compress and move around over time causing leaks. With these type gaskets you NEED some type of locking header bolt because they WILL come loose over time. The factory GM gaskets are MLS (Multi Layer Steel) and will not compress or move around once tight. So with these gaskets the factory gaskets are fine and will stay tight. BUT, like also said above, it is easy to cross-thread a factory bolt while installing headers. NEVER try to pull the header up with a bolt. Rule of thumb is to make sure you can turn the bolt in at least two turns with you fingers before you even reach for a wrench!

BTW: Maybe your question should have been "What headers"? Shorties normally won't give you much and are not worth the trouble, unless you are forced to use them for emissions reasons, you should look into real headers with real gains. Surprisingly long tube header are very easy to install on these cars.
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Old Jul 31, 2007 | 11:47 AM
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I always use anti seize grease on exhaust bolts. Specially for alum/steel. I didn't see anyone mention this. Am I wrong?
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Old Jul 31, 2007 | 11:50 AM
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I go with aftermarket metal f-body gaskets. I put in the bolts on the far outside to hold the header in place. I then slip the gasket in from above, they are designed to slip in with these bolts in place, eliminating a need to try and hold headers, gasket, and bolts all at the same time. I tighten down the 2 outside bolts and then put in the rest. I've never even had a bolt TRY to cross thread and I'm on my second set of LT's
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Old Jul 31, 2007 | 11:51 AM
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Originally Posted by Todd157k
I always use anti seize grease on exhaust bolts. Specially for alum/steel. I didn't see anyone mention this. Am I wrong?
Not a bad idea, but I'm in there so much I prefer just to retighten since it's so easy, than run the risk of having a VERY DIFFICULT to remove bolt.
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Old Jul 31, 2007 | 11:59 AM
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Originally Posted by Todd157k
I always use anti seize grease on exhaust bolts. Specially for alum/steel. I didn't see anyone mention this. Am I wrong?
I used the ARP studs shown above with the ARP moly lube on the studs into the heads and nuts to the studs. I can spin them out by hand, which during disassembly/re-assembly is very useful. Think, installing heads, installing clutch, etc. Each of these tasks requires header removal, so plan ahead accordingly. I did
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Old Jul 31, 2007 | 12:02 PM
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I have the ARP headers studs.

Keith
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Old Aug 2, 2007 | 12:31 PM
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i plan on installing bassani lts this weekend.. i ordered some hooker gaskets from auto zone for like 17 bucks and havnt gotten them yet, but does anyone know if they will fit fine and create a nice seal with the bassani headers? from the picture they pulled up, it looks identical to the layout of the bassani's bolt up pattern.. thanks guys!
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Old Aug 2, 2007 | 01:10 PM
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Originally Posted by cdg2000c5
i plan on installing bassani lts this weekend.. i ordered some hooker gaskets from auto zone for like 17 bucks and havnt gotten them yet, but does anyone know if they will fit fine and create a nice seal with the bassani headers? from the picture they pulled up, it looks identical to the layout of the bassani's bolt up pattern.. thanks guys!
If they are paper type I would return them and use the GM steel ones for all the reasons stated above.
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Old Aug 3, 2007 | 07:07 AM
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I'm going to buy ARP header studs and I have Dynatech LT headers. Is it ok to use GM header gaskets with ARP studs?

Last edited by Juha; Aug 3, 2007 at 07:09 AM.
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Old Aug 3, 2007 | 07:58 AM
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Originally Posted by Juha
I'm going to buy ARP header studs and I have Dynatech LT headers. Is it ok to use GM header gaskets with ARP studs?
Yes, the GM gaskets as mentioned are the older style with round ports. I believe there was a recent part number change, but I just put a set on during the clutch install.
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Old Aug 3, 2007 | 08:05 AM
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Originally Posted by cdg2000c5
i plan on installing bassani lts this weekend.. i ordered some hooker gaskets from auto zone for like 17 bucks and havnt gotten them yet, but does anyone know if they will fit fine and create a nice seal with the bassani headers? from the picture they pulled up, it looks identical to the layout of the bassani's bolt up pattern.. thanks guys!
I have installed dozens of C5/6/C6Z06 LT's, I have never installed those, but know someone who has, not a good setup from what I heard

American Racing are our choice of headers
LG and Kooks are also popular choices

stock OE GM bolts do a great job, just start in the middle and get all started before cranking them down
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Old Aug 3, 2007 | 08:33 AM
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Originally Posted by vettenuts
Yes, the GM gaskets as mentioned are the older style with round ports. I believe there was a recent part number change, but I just put a set on during the clutch install.
Ok. I would appreciate if somebody could tell me the right part number for those GM gaskets (with round ports), thanks.
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Old Aug 3, 2007 | 10:13 AM
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Originally Posted by Steve@EnglandGreen
I have installed dozens of C5/6/C6Z06 LT's, I have never installed those, but know someone who has, not a good setup from what I heard

American Racing are our choice of headers
LG and Kooks are also popular choices

stock OE GM bolts do a great job, just start in the middle and get all started before cranking them down
i appreciate the biased response hah jk but in all seriousness, i bought these used as a whole setup for a pretty good deal and i refuse to shell out over a grand for headers(way too much in my belief, or at least my budget). hopefully the install will go problemless, if not, then i will do like any likeminded person, i'll turn to the forum for help!
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Old Aug 3, 2007 | 10:33 AM
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Originally Posted by cdg2000c5
i appreciate the biased response hah jk but in all seriousness, i bought these used as a whole setup for a pretty good deal and i refuse to shell out over a grand for headers(way too much in my belief, or at least my budget). hopefully the install will go problemless, if not, then i will do like any likeminded person, i'll turn to the forum for help!
I've seen one set, they leak at the slip fit in the header
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