header bolts and gasket question

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Jan 9, 2008 | 09:01 PM

Monte04ss

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 378

Likes: 7

From: SW Ontario

header bolts and gasket question

Good evening gang,

I have a question for you. I am getting ready to install new headers on my 97

Some people say I can reuse the factory gasket and header bolts. Since my system does not come with these new components, I deceided to get new gaskets anyway..I figured it was cheap insurance for $20. But the header bolts will run roughly $100 for the ls1 ARP ones. Will 10 years of heat cycles on the factory bolts and the new flange thickness Vs factory manifolds be an issue ?

Just looking for input before I spend our hard earned $$.

thanks in advance.

CD

Jan 9, 2008 | 09:28 PM

vettenuts

Team Owner

Joined: Mar 1999

Posts: 22,025

Likes: 192

From: At the beach in little Rhody

I went with the ARP studs so I could hang the gasket and then the header since I was working alone. ARP is quality stuff. It also helps eliminate cross-threading which can easily happen trying to hold the header up and the gasket and then get a bolt in. They are not necessary, but they are a nice addition.

Jan 9, 2008 | 09:33 PM

0TheRadioFlyer97

Former Vendor

Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 8,995

Likes: 2

From: Spring Texas

St. Jude Donor '08

OEM gaskets are excellent quality. I just had headers installed on my 97 using stock gaskters and bolts. No problems with leaking yet....but then again it's only been a couple of weeks.

Jan 9, 2008 | 10:40 PM

Bounty

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jun 2005

Posts: 860

Likes: 0

From: Jacksonville Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monte04ss

Good evening gang,

I have a question for you. I am getting ready to install new headers on my 97

You'll be fine with the set of new OEM header gaskets. I went with the Stage 8 locking header bolts for my LG Street's but the ARP are as good or better. I probably would not reuse the stock header bolt hardware since you'll be removing it anyway.

Jan 9, 2008 | 11:16 PM

ArKay99

Safety Car

Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 3,558

Likes: 2

From: Cape Coral FL

You can reuse the stock bolts if they are in good condition. I have the stock bolts and have had my headers on and off quite a few times. I would suggest using a split 8mm lockwasherbetween thebolt head and the header flange to ensure they stay tight and also to keep the bolts from bottoming. Make sure you use some anti-sieze on the bolt too.

Jan 10, 2008 | 02:36 AM

rustyguns

Le Mans Master

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 7,251

Likes: 16

From: Phoenix Arizona

if you drive it like a commuter car then yeah you can use old bolts. but if you wind the crap out of it and get it hot, you better put new bolts in