Header Bolt Debate-Steel or Stainless?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,285
Likes: 16
From: Nashville TN
Header Bolt Debate-Steel or Stainless?
Installing LGM headers this weekend and me and a friend are arguing/debating over which kind of bolts to use. The heads are aluminum without heli-coils. The stock bolts are steel, grade unknown. So the question is should they be replaced with 1) stock steel bolts 2) ARP steel 3) ARP stainless 4) Stage 8? Of course anti-seive should be used with any. The arguement is SS is a soft metal and will have the tendency to gall with the soft aluminum. Carbon steel is less likely to gall but more likely to strip out threads upon removal. So what are you guys having good luck with? Help us settle this debate. All opinions encouraged.
Thanks
Chris
Thanks
Chris
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 11,945
Likes: 12
From: Vancouver
2015 C5 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10
Re: Header Bolt Debate-Steel or Stainless? (marlowchris)
I would use the stock bolts. The engines today work with bolts that are designed to stretch with the proper torque setting. And to be replaced if removed. Even the bolts that hold the caliper mounting brackets on are torqued to 125 lbs are to be replaced. Once they have been stretched they are no longer serviceable. At least in the perfect world. My .02 :thumbs: :thumbs: :seeya
Put it this way I wouldn't put my heads in jeopardy for a few bolts.
Put it this way I wouldn't put my heads in jeopardy for a few bolts.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,527
Likes: 0
From: Tucson AZ
St. Jude Donor '11,'13
Re: Header Bolt Debate-Steel or Stainless? (marlowchris)
If money is no object use the ARP bolts, but be advised that they are expensive. Header bolts should not be that bad but when you get to the entire engine set grab your butt and hold on.
