Header bolts?
Pro
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 550
Likes: 53
From: Fort Myers Florida
I bought brand nw bolts as I was leary as well. After 6 months they look like the stock ones, rusted and dirty. I had to replace my exhaust gasket on one side and dropped a header bolt into the land of the unknown so i reused one of the stock ones I kept, not a single issue.
Made me wish I didnt buy new ones.
Made me wish I didnt buy new ones.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 499
Likes: 3
So the gentleman I purchased the exhaust from had the multi layered steel gaskets that were on it. He gave me those, but I opted to buy new gaskets (GM 12617944) just in case as well as I purchased new spark plugs (NGK TR55 Stock No.3951). The headers are wrapped. A friend of mine said that the wraps tend to catch fire, they aren't very good, etc. He recommended having them ceramic coated. However, I believe these are. They are painted black that's like a rubbery thick blackish. Idk how to explain it. It's weird. Kinda like some of those bedliners, but without the rough texture if that makes sense.
Anyways, anyone have issues with the exhaust wraps? It's done well. Lot better than I would have done it. I saw a lot of people recommend spark plug boots/socks. Are those still needed if the headers are wrapped? Let me know what ya'll think, thanks!
Anyways, anyone have issues with the exhaust wraps? It's done well. Lot better than I would have done it. I saw a lot of people recommend spark plug boots/socks. Are those still needed if the headers are wrapped? Let me know what ya'll think, thanks!
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 247
Likes: 44
From: Vancouver Island British Columbia, Canada
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 499
Likes: 3
Ok, so basically they are no good. My question is a lot of that article is based on NASCAR racing. I don't race my car or track it at all. I daily drive it. So the car doesn't ever get that hot right? Essentially that article says headers get too hot, wrap expands, layer between header and wrap creates moisture and it falls apart. Just curious, as I see a lot of different people using exhaust wraps. I am looking into ceramic coating just in case.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 5,278
Likes: 539
From: Kelowna BC
Ok, so basically they are no good. My question is a lot of that article is based on NASCAR racing. I don't race my car or track it at all. I daily drive it. So the car doesn't ever get that hot right? Essentially that article says headers get too hot, wrap expands, layer between header and wrap creates moisture and it falls apart. Just curious, as I see a lot of different people using exhaust wraps. I am looking into ceramic coating just in case.
With stainless headers the likelihood of issues is much less than that with steel, but still there's potential.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,601
Likes: 52
From: Jefferson City MO
AFAIK street use is worse due to shorter runs, more road grime and water, etc. I'd think it's more OK for problem spots (starter, AC line proximity), but covering as a wrap is definitely not as good as ceramic coating.
With stainless headers the likelihood of issues is much less than that with steel, but still there's potential.
With stainless headers the likelihood of issues is much less than that with steel, but still there's potential.
If you have plug wires that are really close to a header primary, yes, plug boots work well.
Last edited by Andrew; Mar 23, 2018 at 03:40 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 10,247
Likes: 887
From: Hickory NC
2025 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '17 thru '26
I used ARP 434-1202 12 point stainless steel header bolts. Per ARP, they are 15% stronger than Grade 8 bolts. Overkill, perhaps, but wanted the stainless to go with the ceramic coated stainless Kooks.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 499
Likes: 3
Ok, so ultimately I said screw it, and removed all the exhaust wrap. The headers are ok, but it's hard to tell since the exhaust wrap pattern has kinda imprinted onto the headers. So I am looking into having them receramic coated now. I got a quote through Jethot for $650 before shipping. Sounds a bit expensive, but I've never looked into this before? Is that high? Low? Anyone else know of a place to get them done at? I contacted a couple powder coating places around here about a week ago, but no one has returned my calls. So I guess I'm stuck until I find someone to coat them.