header bolts
Pro
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 663
Likes: 0
From: Arvada CO
I asked the same question about a month ago here during my install of my Kooks headers. It was about a 50/50 split between guys recommending anti-seize versus thread lock. I finally called Kooks and spoke to their technical dept. He strongly recommended anti-seize for several reasons. He also said if you ever need to remove bolts with thread lock, you could damage the aluminum threads in the block, plus anti-seize would protect the aluminium.
After that conversation, I went with anti-seize. I reasoned that down the road if I changed my mind I could easily remove the bolts, clean them and use thread lock. So far I haven't had any problems.
Let us know what you decide.
After that conversation, I went with anti-seize. I reasoned that down the road if I changed my mind I could easily remove the bolts, clean them and use thread lock. So far I haven't had any problems.
Let us know what you decide.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 20,933
Likes: 905
From: salem OR
I asked the same question about a month ago here during my install of my Kooks headers. It was about a 50/50 split between guys recommending anti-seize versus thread lock. I finally called Kooks and spoke to their technical dept. He strongly recommended anti-seize for several reasons. He also said if you ever need to remove bolts with thread lock, you could damage the aluminum threads in the block, plus anti-seize would protect the aluminium.
After that conversation, I went with anti-seize. I reasoned that down the road if I changed my mind I could easily remove the bolts, clean them and use thread lock. So far I haven't had any problems.
Let us know what you decide.
After that conversation, I went with anti-seize. I reasoned that down the road if I changed my mind I could easily remove the bolts, clean them and use thread lock. So far I haven't had any problems.
Let us know what you decide.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,271
Likes: 182
From: Manassas VA
Another solution is to measure the size, thread and length and order a set of Stainless Steel bolts from ARP. These will not suffer from electrolysis and are significantly stronger than most steel bolts. You can use a little oil or antisieze to make them easier to thread in by hand before starting the real tightening. A bonus is you can easily re-tighten them if needed much later as they will not seize in the thread hole.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,307
Likes: 110
From: Tucson AZ
The most critical bolts on your entire car are the rod bolts. They are installed using a special moly lube, not locktite.
If the bolts are properly torqued, they will stretch slightly and not loosen. Using antiseize on the header bolts will help get the proper torque/stretch, and if you ever do have to remove them they will come out nicely.
Remember, these are alum heads we are bolting the headers too.
If the bolts are properly torqued, they will stretch slightly and not loosen. Using antiseize on the header bolts will help get the proper torque/stretch, and if you ever do have to remove them they will come out nicely.
Remember, these are alum heads we are bolting the headers too.
Pro
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 610
Likes: 1
From: Midland Texas
St. Jude Donor '09-'11
Reuse the stock bolts AFTER removing all traces of the factory goop with a wire brush. Use anti-seize on the bolts. Chase every head threaded hole with a clean bolt or bottom hole tap before hanging the headers to make sure the threads are clear of the factory goop. Use factory gaskets and the bolts will not loosen on their own with only anti-seize on the bolt threads.
Joe
Joe
