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Topic: Looking for advice: locking header bolts? (Read 1762 times) previous topic - next topic

Looking for advice: locking header bolts?

My build is going to be tight, and I hate to make mistakes I can avoid. What is your experience and advice for me??:bowdown:

Looking for advice: locking header bolts?

Reply #1
high temp locktight and lock washers on mine

Looking for advice: locking header bolts?

Reply #2
Stage 8 locking fasterns.
88 Cougar LS 5.0 .030 over, ported E7s with GT40 valves & trickflow springs, Proform roller rockers, HO cam, removed air silencer, K&N filter, smog pump delete, 2.25" dual flowmasters, Pacestter H-pipe & headers, HO computer, 65mm TB, Explorer intake, 19# injecters, 3.45s, rebuilt posi, and TCI shift kit.

Looking for advice: locking header bolts?

Reply #3
Stage 8 fasterns work realy well.
Have them on the wifes car and will be getting them for mine.

Looking for advice: locking header bolts?

Reply #4
Depends on which headers you have.  If the  that bolts to the head is one piece (i.e. not MAC) and is at least 3/8" thick then I would not worry about it.  I have the BBK equal length on my Coupe and have had the same set of header gaskets on it for over three years with no leaks.  You just have to remember to install the new gaskets and then bring the engine up to operating temperature.  Once it reaches temp shut the motor down and let it cool to the point you can retorque the header bolts.  I do this twice and with good headers do not have a problem.  If clearances are tight and you are most likely going to burn yourself then I would go with the Stage 8 fasteners.  I have heard nothing but great things about the Stage 8 bolts but I just take my time and save a few $$.  I do not have any of the outdated smog equipment on the passenger side of the engine bay so it makes it much easier to work on.  With a good tune and three stage cats its amazing how a car will pass a sniffer test.

Darren

83 351W TKO'd T-Bird on the bottle


93 331 Mustang Coupe - 368 rwhp

Looking for advice: locking header bolts?

Reply #5
I've got BBK shorties (flipped).  I've had good luck with headers on my 4 cylinder cars by just re-torquing, but I won't be able to reach the bolts on this car after I get everything done.

Thanks for the help!

Looking for advice: locking header bolts?

Reply #6
I have the single  (thick) BBK's,and I only use header bolts and lock washers. No issues.
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..

Looking for advice: locking header bolts?

Reply #7
Mine also have about a 3/8" , and they gave me bolts and lock washers with it. I haven't put them on yet, but if that's what they packaged with them. I'm guessing it should be enough for that type of header.
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
***** Project "EVOLUTION" 1987 Cougar LS  & 1985 Cougar Convertible *****
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5.0 HO 306 roller block, machined GT-40P heads, Wiseco dished forged pistons, Eagle forged floating I-beam connecting rods, Lunati pushrods, ARP bolts, Scorpion aluminum 1.6 rockers, Comp Cams Magnum 266HR, Explorer intake, 65mm TB, MAF Conversion, 19# injectors, Ford Racing stainless P-headers, 2-1/2" cat-less exhaust w/ Flowtech Afterburner lers , SC AOD with 2800 BDR torque converter, 3.73 T-Lok rear, CHE rear control arms, full 2-1/2" frame w/1" jacking rails & seat supports, Rear disk brakes, Turbine wheels, All original interior w/ floor shift upgrade .......
Pretty much every panel on my 87 is new, rebuilt, or re constructed. :D
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Looking for advice: locking header bolts?

Reply #8
I guess I was overkill.  I had thick d BBK's and used Stage 8 locking bolts.......... Never had a problem. LOL
Mike

 

Looking for advice: locking header bolts?

Reply #9
I have decided I'd be cranky if I didn't go with overkill on this. Stage 8 locking fasteners it is. I have some Speed Points to cash in, so it won't be too bad for the extra insurance.

Thanks for all your input on this. It's nice to talk stuff like this over before making a decision.