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LIke many others, I've had a problem keeping my header bolts tight. I have Dyno Don's headers and have been using a ARP Header Bolt Kit 100-1109 based on a recommendation on this board years ago. I just went to take the car for a spin, heard an exhaust leak, and found 2 bolts missing and 4 others loose.
I searched this forum and found a lot of recommendations for the Stage 8 locking bolts, so I plan on switching to those. A quick question: what length bolt should I use? My current bolt is 1" long, which seems right but they make them in 3/4", 1" and 1 1/4". Not sure if I want to go longer or shorter because of the washer type?
Most posts say to stay away from the 12-point due to not being able to get a wrench on them, which also makes sense so I'm going to get the 6-point/internal Allen variety.
One more question - one of the header bolts holds my dipstick in place, wondering if I'm going to run into any issues with that using these bolts?
I can't comment on the " Stage 8" hardware but I can say that once I went with a Remflex header gasket, I've never had a header bolt come loose. That's going on twenty years now with several sets used in that time.
I also use a 12 point header bolt. (ARP Stainless).
Just about any box end wrench will be a 12 point and I've sockets the same. The 12 point actually helps with difficult to access boots that have a minimal area to swing a wrench.
I can't comment on the " Stage 8" hardware but I can say that once I went with a Remflex header gasket, I've never had a header bolt come loose. That's going on twenty years now with several sets used in that time.
I also use a 12 point header bolt. (ARP Stainless).
Just about any box end wrench will be a 12 point and I've sockets the same. The 12 point actually helps with difficult to access boots that have a minimal area to swing a wrench.
I currently use the Stage 8 fasteners with RemFlex gaskets. Stage 8 has kits for the most popular applications, so just go with one for a SBC. The locking tab and clip install over the head and does not constitute a longer bolt length. I also have my dipstick attached to the RH header and there are different types of retention washers to accommodate this. They are a PITA to install, but there is nothing else on the market that is more foolproof short of drilling the bolt heads for safety wire.
I use 12-point bolts with 3/8" heads for headers. Also really like the RemFlex gaskets, but after adding a set of high collar lock washers (one retightening after a few heat cycles), I never had a problem with leaks (backed off bolts) with any gasket I used.
The high collar washers are cheap at your local hardware/nut and bolt place. Just make sure the bolts you have are long enough. If needed you could pick up some longer 3/8-16 bolts while you're there with the 12-point 3/8" heads - at least my local nut/bolt store have them. Last time I was there the bolts were like $0.60 each - seems like 12, 1" bolts and the .125" thick high collar lock washers were around $10.
