Hello all,

I built my Camaro back in 2012. It has a 383, Dyno Don's headers and Y-pipe, converter delete and Hooker cat-back exhaust.

About 3 years ago, I was driving down the express way when I heard a "ping" and all of a sudden, an exhaust leak. I got the car into a shop and found that the passenger side bolts that hold the header to the y-pipe came loose and popped out. I put new ones in, made sure everything was lined up and tightened and it's been fine.

Until today, when I was driving down the express way when I heard a "ping" again, and of course I now have an exhaust leak. I haven't had the car in the shop yet, but it's definitely coming from the passenger side. I'm 90% certain that the same thing happened again.

I also can't find my records regarding what nuts and bolts I used. So, I'm hoping someone can tell me (1) what bolts I should be using and (2) what I should be doing to keep the bolts from coming out. Thanks.

 

Buy some Stage 8 locking fasteners.

 

Yep. Stage 8 with locking fasteners is what I used on my last 2 cars with headers. Worked great!

 

While I agree a good fastener is important,

the real problem is likely a lack of support for the exhaust system.

I'd say, inspect your exhaust for proper hangers and support before worrying about the fastener strength.

 

Hoping to run these on my SLPs when the time comes. Glad to read you've both had good luck with them.

 

Use 1" long header bolts with the smaller head (not the 3/4 long), a dab of anti-sieze and a felpro gasket 1404 or 1405?? IIRC.

 

His problem is the same one that I have had the bolts from the collector to the y pipe come loose. I have not had an issue with the bolts on the heads...
Thinking of drilling the ends of the bolts for a clip or cotter key. Seems easier to me than leaning to do safety wire

 

For those I use these
http://www.hawaiinutandbolt.com/sae-...dyaWQiO2k6MDt9

with these
https://www.albanycountyfasteners.co...Nuts-s/411.htm

 

I've tried those flanged bolts and nuts that are serrated and they still come loose. I think it from the parts getting hot while on track then cooling and it either streching the bolts or warping the flanges... Not sure what is the issue but have had them loosen up after every track day. So far the soultion has been when I have it on the lift after look things over I re tighten them up...

 

Try the RemFlex header and collector gaskets. They retain their torque and keep the fasteners tight regardless of the type of fastener used (within reason). That's been my experience. I used to have trouble with loosening bolts at the header flange and the collector but that's since disappeared since I switched to these gaskets. I recheck the tightness after a couple of heat/cool cycles and find that there's little if nothing to be gained.
For the record, at the header flange I'm using a stainless steel 1" long ARP bolt and the collector has conventional stainless steel hardware with locking washers. Nothing fancy. Just great gaskets.

http://catalog.remflex.com/