Sho Amo Posted September 7, 2015 Report Share Posted September 7, 2015 Just wondering what the consensus is on header bolts and gaskets with these engines. I just got some ceramic coated bbk shorties and I'm used to buying locking header bolts and copper gaskets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ttocs Posted September 7, 2015 Report Share Posted September 7, 2015 I prefer studs myself. Makes it a little easier to guide the headers into place and yes of course locking. I used stage 8 I think was the brand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedTwilight Posted September 7, 2015 Report Share Posted September 7, 2015 Stage 8 locking header bolts are the way to go. After the install on my notch I waited a few heat cycles before I put the locks on. Just kept checking and re tightening the bolts if needed before hand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zach Posted September 7, 2015 Report Share Posted September 7, 2015 I use arp stainless bolts and felpro 1415 header gaskets. I've never had a problem with bolts loosening and exhaust leaks. But I fully inspect my car every 2-3 times I drive it checking all bolts and fluid and stuff.Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prokiller Posted September 9, 2015 Report Share Posted September 9, 2015 i had the stage 8s before and they were a pain in the ass to install and uninstall. they worked good don't get me wrong, but what a pain to deal with. i've since switched to arp's and just check them now and again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve-Oh Posted September 9, 2015 Report Share Posted September 9, 2015 i had the stage 8s before and they were a pain in the ass to install and uninstall. they worked good don't get me wrong, but what a pain to deal with. i've since switched to arp's and just check them now and again. This ^ I only blew a header gasket once but as long as you check the header bolts every now and again you should be fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ttocs Posted September 9, 2015 Report Share Posted September 9, 2015 I had issues with the locking tabs on the stage 8 as well but I think it was because on the JBA headers I got the pipes are square rather then round where the header bolts to the head. The tabs were made for a round pipe it looked like to me so on more then a few I had to grind a little of the tab down to get it on all the way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedTwilight Posted September 10, 2015 Report Share Posted September 10, 2015 I had issues with the locking tabs on the stage 8 as well but I think it was because on the JBA headers I got the pipes are square rather then round where the header bolts to the head. The tabs were made for a round pipe it looked like to me so on more then a few I had to grind a little of the tab down to get it on all the way. Did flipping the tab over not work? I know they design the tabs with an offset angle similar to a wrench. That way if they don't fit one way just flip them over. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ttocs Posted September 10, 2015 Report Share Posted September 10, 2015 Did flipping the tab over not work? I know they design the tabs with an offset angle similar to a wrench. That way if they don't fit one way just flip them over.yes it didn't matter which way it was flipped. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
95riosnake Posted September 10, 2015 Report Share Posted September 10, 2015 I use Fel Pro 1415 gaskets and ARP Stainless 12 point header bolts. I just crank them down and haven't had a single issue in about 6 years, and yes, back then I actually drove my car. All the locking BS seems like more trouble than it's worth IMO. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/fel-1415 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ttocs Posted September 10, 2015 Report Share Posted September 10, 2015 seems like bs and never looked into them until one day I looked down and noticed I was missing one. Not sure how long it had been gone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackmage Posted September 14, 2015 Report Share Posted September 14, 2015 ive rocked the studs on a couple motors, never had an issue with them. my motors were mostly stock though too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
