Hey guys. I spent all last night searching this forum and others for solid information on which size and type header bolts to use for a 2.8L V6. Couldn't get a definitive answer so I thought I would clarify with all of you.

I will be installing Pacesetter headers and my current manifold bolts are completely shot and rusted. I'm not sure id be able to check em for size when I get them out.

So which bolts will work the best for my setup?

 

I thought I had the actual thread dimensions but can't find it. They are an 8mm bolt, not sure of the thread pitch.

RBob.

 

Here you go...

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/v6/59988-idea.html

RBob.

 

Awesome, this was exactly the information that I needed! Thank you so much.

For those of you looking for this info as well, the posted thread states that the hardware needed is the following:

- Short Bolts: M8 1.25x40mm
- Long Bolts: M8 1.25x70mm

 

Go to the auto parts store and pick up 12 M8x1.25 studs. If you go and buy the bolts as were used on the manifolds, your headers will be loose. The manifold flanges are, at minimum, twice as thick as the header flanges, and the bolts don't have threads that far up their shanks.

 

Thanks for the tip. I work at a hardware store though, so figuring out the proper lengths would be the easy part. I just know that when I rip those bolts and studs out that there is no way I would have been able to tell what threads they were.

But with all of this info I'm confident that the removal and install will go well.

 

Another thing...

If you do decide to go with the studs, I can tell you right off that the nuts in the packages with the studs are C H E A P. I stripped both of them on the 2 studs I had to replace (studs are fine, nuts are in my junk metal bin). Make sure you're using top-grade hardware, and if you do use bolts, use anti-seize.

:edit: And I do NOT like the PaceSetter header gaskets AT ALL. They're WAY too cheap for my taste. I'm going to get a sheet of the compressed graphite material (as is used on the EGR transfer tube ends) and make my own. Also, if you plan on increasing the diameter of the catalytic converter and everything behind it, keep in mind that the crossover pipe is a mere 1.25". You will need a Summit pipe adapter if you go with the MagnaFlow TPI direct-fit converter.

 

I will be going with SCE Copper Gaskets (part number: 4317) and purchasing a Magnaflow direct fit cat (part number: 93456). The cat has a 2.25" inlet and a 2.5" outlet so it will work seamlessly with the Pacesetter y-pipe and the Dynomax Ultra Flo cat-back I am also installing.

 

I have also been trying to find the size, thank you. Where is the best place to buy them, I haven't had any luck at the local parts stores.