Torque for headers?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 26
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From: Lusby MD
Torque for headers?
I just installed my FLP headers today and had to guess on what to torque the headers to the heads. I can't find a number anywhere, can somebody reply? I want to retorque in a couple of days and I want it right. Thanks!
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 23,283
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From: Lake Elsinore, CA
Re: Torque for headers? (Roguewave)
Supposed to be 18 ft. lbs. starting at the center and working outwards but I used 20 ft. lbs. last time. It doesn't seem like a lot of torque when you do it but the headers are supported at the bell housing so the headers bolts are not supporting much weight. Plus, the head is aluminum and you want to be careful not to strip it.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 479
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From: Portland OR
Re: Torque for headers? (Roguewave)
Butch - I followed the service manual procedure which calls for 2 passes, the first at 11 lb-ft and the second at 18 lb-ft, proceeding from the center to the outer like Patches describes. It's debatable whether the 2 pass buys anything with the FLP flanges vs. the cast iron manifold. I did notice that my FLP flanges had a slight convex bow, but flattened out under torque. I may retorque to 20 lb-ft later just to make sure I have good compression on the gasket. I bought a low range (250 lb-in) torque wrench after reading several posts where members broke header bolts using high range wrenches.
Alan
[Modified by alc2001, 6:54 PM 11/14/2002]
Alan
[Modified by alc2001, 6:54 PM 11/14/2002]
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Re: Torque for headers? (alc2001)
Drive them for a few days, then go over ALL the fastners for correct torques.
This is a good way to go on any header install. With so much Alum on the LS1, they will loosen up from the heat expansion issue due to dissimilar metals.
If this is your EDD, just check them for the first few weeks and they will settle in and maintain the proper torque shortly :yesnod: :D
This is a good way to go on any header install. With so much Alum on the LS1, they will loosen up from the heat expansion issue due to dissimilar metals.
If this is your EDD, just check them for the first few weeks and they will settle in and maintain the proper torque shortly :yesnod: :D
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 26
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From: Lusby MD
Re: Torque for headers? (ALLTHROTTLE&NOBOTTLE)
Thanks for the advise, all. I'll check on them in a few days and retorque them. The install went well. The hardest part was removing the driver's side manifold (very tight fit from bottom) and finding the oil dip stick hole to replace it, I thought I'd never find it! They make my Corsa Indy's sound much better.
