Exhaust header bolts--solution

snakebittexan · #1 (**permalink**) 12-07-2009, 10:51 AM

Good morning all. Having recently been inducted into the "loose and lost header bolt club" I decided I didn't want to go through that again. I researched, read and searched and I think I've found a soultion; check out the following link;http://stage8.com/
The same system is used on the space shuttle and station, military vehicles, planes and numerous other demanding applications. The bolts came in today and look great. When the gaskets arrive and the temp goes above 50 it's instillation time.

Richard

w-lewis · #2 (**permalink**) 12-07-2009, 02:19 PM

Those are great if you can get to the bolts. Mine are so inaccessible, it's difficult to even get a wrench on several of them.

smeredith · #3 (**permalink**) 12-07-2009, 02:45 PM

Let us know how they do. I'm a member of that club also, which led to a blown exhaust gasket. I have 3-4 that are so close to the pipe I can't hardly get a wrench on. The recessed hex head might work good.

vanoochka · #4 (**permalink**) 12-07-2009, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smeredith

Let us know how they do. I'm a member of that club also, which led to a blown exhaust gasket. I have 3-4 that are so close to the pipe I can't hardly get a wrench on. The recessed hex head might work good.

That was my exact situation. I installed a set of these over a year ago and haven't had a problem since. Had to do a little grinding on a few of the washers with my Dremel, but all in all a pretty easy time getting the recessed allen headed bolts in and tight.

Blittleton · #5 (**permalink**) 12-07-2009, 04:29 PM

I would like to know if you can get all of them on. Some of our headers have more clearence than others.

Bill

Stoney FFR · #6 (**permalink**) 12-07-2009, 06:29 PM

I used Stage 8s and love them.. I used an old generic wrench and made it my "special header bolt wrench" that I ground down using a bench grinder so that it would fit into tight spaces a bit easier.

snakebittexan · #7 (**permalink**) 12-07-2009, 06:48 PM

I'll keep you posted as soon as I get them installed.There is a twelve point head option but that precludes using an open or box end for those hard to reach corners. The guys on the phone were extremely helpful and open about options and soultions.

Michael C Henry · #8 (**permalink**) 12-07-2009, 06:56 PM

I used the longer length SS bolts for my alluminum heads. two sets I tried to use both bolt patterns== 14 bolts per side. I had to drill and wire the two center bolts on both sides. I ordered the bolts from SAummit and was yold to add an(A0 to the part number and get 1" long rather than 3/4".

jwoodard · #9 (**permalink**) 12-07-2009, 10:26 PM

I've had the Stage 8's on my SPF for going on 5 years now and have not had one even think about coming loose. You'll be happy with them.

Z-linkCobra · #10 (**permalink**) 12-10-2009, 03:31 PM

Something I use to do on the dragster headers was put a good amount of silicone on the header bolts. Unlike locktite silicone never gets hard. Silicone stays soft and absorbs the vibration better. It also will allow you to take the bolt when you want to with out you putting a bunch of red colored coolant all over the place..lol. I use silicone on just about any bolt that is subject to vibration...has worked well for me over the years.