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View Full Version : Headers: Locking header bolts or OEM bolts?


StandFast85
10-18-2010, 04:04 AM
Hey guys,

I'll hopefully be purchasing/ installing a new set of headers sometime in the near future. I was wondering if I should reuse my OEM bolts or purchase some of those locking header bolts? The ones with the allen key in the middle so that the bolts won't back out.

What do you guys think? I think most have used their OEM bolts correct?
TomPierce
10-18-2010, 04:43 AM
You can reuse your stock bolts.

Clean off any remaining threadlocker - use new threadlocker
Remember you are going into an aluminum head - don't get crazy on the torque.

Whether the head is a hex head or an allen head has little to do with whether or not it will back out. The locking header bolts have a special washer and a circlip that prevent the bolt from loosening.

You will want to retighten the bolts after a week or so anyway.
hulkss
10-18-2010, 02:57 PM
I used these stainless studs from ARP

http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/prod/large/arp-434-1301_w.jpg
fastg8mi
10-18-2010, 04:31 PM
oem bolts work perfect although the headers i bought came with new bolts.
Eidolon
10-18-2010, 09:06 PM
Remember you are going into an aluminum head - don't get crazy on the torque.

+1

For the headers, torque spec according to the GM service manual is 20 N-m (15 lb-ft) per bolt, tightening from the center out to the edges.
Night Train
10-24-2010, 08:21 PM
Go for the locking. I have no basis for saying this except that a lot have recommended the locking.
todds87ss
10-25-2010, 06:02 AM
I have not heard of any quality header (read that "thick stainless flanges") bolts backing out. If I went with a mild steel header, I would invest in locking bolts.
Unclesams_G8
11-25-2010, 05:10 AM
I would recommend locking hardware. I used these on my mustang..........and I highly recommend them. http://www.stage8.com/
bwooten492
11-25-2010, 12:43 PM
Clean the stock bolts and reuse them.

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WickedMom
11-25-2010, 01:53 PM
I reused my stock bolts, even though the kooks come with new ones. But I do need to re-torque them since its been like 10k miles and I think I hear a lil exhaust tick.
drumsbh
12-09-2010, 06:08 PM
I used locking...

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