Other than purchasing new locking hardware, is there anything that will help keep exhaust manifold bolts from coming loose? I have been reluctant to use red or blue locktite assuming that it will not hold up to the heat or that I won't ever be able to remove the bolts again.

I removed my exhaust manifolds to reseal all my head bolts and noticed that half of the bolts were finger tight.

 

These Are Relatively Cheap.

 

Pardon my ignorance, but what are those? How do they work?

 

What kind of manifold gaskets are you using?
I use the OEM embossed steel shim gaskets and have never had one problem with manifold bolts coming loose ....multiple vehicles .... never.

 

The gaskets are the steel shim type. Don't know if they are OEM or not though. Like many items on my car, I don't know what the previous owner did. Maybe he didn't tighten them very well and I just don't know any better.

 

Cast iron manifolds on cast iron heads? Make sure manifolds are flat, no gaskets and tighten bolts like the factory.

 

Those Are Exhaust Manifold Bolt Locks,The Ears Are Bent Over The Flat Of The Bolt Head And Locks Them In Place,My Car Still Has Them On From The Factory,Although I Noticed One Has Rusted Out Which They Will Do On Cars As Old As Ours.

 

Great. Thank you for the suggestion and free education. Sometimes I feel like a real dumbass. My factory units are long gone.

 

By the way, any idea where I might be able to find a set of those? Looked all over on line and nobody seems to have them for an 87 camaro.