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View Full Version : what kind of header bolts to use?



2Kblacksleeper
03-05-2010, 08:55 AM
I'm going to be putting headers in my 95 GT.
What kind should I use?
Locking bolts or standard bolts with thread lock?

MD advised me they just use standard bolts with thread lock. They prefer this since they are more likely to be removing them frequently in their business.
I just want to know what everyone else runs.

John

Pitbull1052
03-05-2010, 08:59 AM
locking for sure!

Jeff88coupe
03-05-2010, 10:09 AM
I've never had a issue with the standard ones with a bit of thread locker on them.

5.0calypso93lx
03-05-2010, 10:29 AM
I actually went with header studs for my new heads. Much easier to align the header onto the head during the install.

mrstang-gt-46
03-05-2010, 10:33 AM
let me know how that works out for you.

foxbodyfan
03-05-2010, 11:12 AM
Teflon tape works on header bolts to keep them from loosing up.

5.0calypso93lx
03-05-2010, 11:21 AM
let me know how that works out for you.

The header studs? You need to learn how to use the quote button preggo

mrstang-gt-46
03-05-2010, 11:27 AM
i dont need to LEARN anything,peter puffer

AntiRice427
03-05-2010, 11:54 AM
I bought stainless steel header bolts from Summit years ago and I still use them. They are just standard bolts with a 3/8 head. Locks are a pain in the ass!

cstreu1026
03-05-2010, 12:13 PM
I have the stage 8 locking header bolts on my car and they are a serious pain in the ass but I have never had a leak. When the new engine goes it it will have factory ford studs though.

2Kblacksleeper
03-05-2010, 12:40 PM
Well the heads will be taken off later this year or next for an upgrade. Its just not in the budget yet.

2Kblacksleeper
03-05-2010, 12:52 PM
If someone could tell me the size, length, and thread type? Could I just go to fastenal and get SS or grade 8 bolts.
Then I could just use thread lock or Teflon tape or whatever.

I'm at work so. I can't search right now.

Thank you for all the replys.

John

5.0calypso93lx
03-05-2010, 12:57 PM
i dont need to LEARN anything,peter puffer

What's wrong with header studs then?

AntiRice427
03-05-2010, 01:53 PM
I think I bought this kit to get my stainless boltshttp://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-56250HS/ Most of the other bolts that it comes with were pretty much useless though because they are for older engines. You could find the right bolts at fastenal but the nice thing about header specific bolts is that they have a smaller head. Makes it easier to get a wrench or socket on. The bolt spec you need is 3/8x16x1in long

Gearhead559
03-05-2010, 03:47 PM
i always use the arp's with the small 5/16 heads. i like the 12 point ones at that..i always get them for bbc. same bolt size and count. little dap of sealer on the thread, and i have found they dont back out either

85_SS_302_Coupe
03-05-2010, 05:15 PM
I've always used a hardened allen head bolt from the hardware store. The ARP's are nice with the small 12 point heads for using a wrench or socket to tighten them. I've never used anything on the thread, just tighten them again after a couple heat cycles.

SpoonyGT
03-05-2010, 05:21 PM
I just used stock studs with thread locker. Percys 3 layer aluminum gaskets. i got composite fiber gaskets and one blew out.

inferno50
03-05-2010, 09:43 PM
i have the mr gasket ones sold damn near any auto parts store. it just sucks because they come in packs of twelve. so you have to buy two packs. i had to re tighten them one time but since then they have been good and nothing was put on the threads. if you havent bought headers yet may i recomend you get ones with a solid plate all the way across the flange if not they can be a pain in the ass and really bad the second time you try to put them on. it takes a whole lot of prying and cussing to get the ones with individual flanges lined up.

2Kblacksleeper
03-06-2010, 01:13 AM
They have a flange all the way across.

So I am thinking on trying the BBC 5/16 bolts.

So now I need the bolts and a gasket. Then ill be set.

Thanks again for all. The info guys.

John

inferno50
03-06-2010, 02:00 AM
They have a flange all the way across.

So I am thinking on trying the BBC 5/16 bolts.

So now I need the bolts and a gasket. Then ill be set.

Thanks again for all. The info guys.

John

i dont know if they are like doing a fox but if they are you will also need some patience to go with those bolts. i put the bbk long tubes on mine and it was kind of a pain in the ass.

Timido
03-06-2010, 04:58 PM
grade 8 bolts and lockwashers works fine