Is it ok to use steel header bolts?
#1
Is it ok to use steel header bolts?
I found a set of bolts from Mcmaster that would work well for headers and are cheap (~8 + s/h for a pack of 25). The only thing is that they are steel. I've heard that using steel screws in aluminum sometimes cause corrosion problems. Do people use just steel bolts or do they have to be of another material to work in our alum heads?
#3
I just called my local hardware supplier and they have stainless steel allen head bolts. Has anyone used allen head bolts for their headers? Seems like it would make installation a breeze.
#6
They are going to rust, that is about it. I am using steel bolts, nothing pretty to look at when they are rusted alongside coated headers. At least if you went stainless, they won't rust and if you took it a step further and got the locking version, you wouldn't have to worry about them backing out either.
#9
Here is a link to some of the Breslin style header bolts. I have found I like this style the best.
http://www.route66supply.com/store/page53.html
http://www.route66supply.com/store/page53.html
#10
Here is a link to some of the Breslin style header bolts. I have found I like this style the best.
http://www.route66supply.com/store/page53.html
http://www.route66supply.com/store/page53.html
#11
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Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Lansing, MI via Bowling Green, KY: Dalton, GA: Nashville, TN & Atlanta, GA
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Search for Breslin on EBay. I think Boese Engineering has some of both the steel and stainless bolts if that's what you're interested in. I don't think the stainless bolts have Breslin in the tag line, so you would probably have to search their store to find them. They may only be available for big blocks, which means you'll get 16 bolts instead of 12. I would recommend the 1" bolts over the 3/4".
#12
Search for Breslin on EBay. I think Boese Engineering has some of both the steel and stainless bolts if that's what you're interested in. I don't think the stainless bolts have Breslin in the tag line, so you would probably have to search their store to find them. They may only be available for big blocks, which means you'll get 16 bolts instead of 12. I would recommend the 1" bolts over the 3/4".
I haven't decided if I want to spend ~85 shipped for the bolts, but I think I'm just going to do it. Its still ~50 more than arp stainless steel bolts but everyone praises them and I absolutely HATE header leaks!
#13
Percy's acquired Breslin a while back so check with them regarding availability.
Not cheap, but a nice product.
>>Percy's Split Lock Fasteners<<
Not cheap, but a nice product.
>>Percy's Split Lock Fasteners<<
#14
I just got a set of Breslins off ebay. 12 pack 1" long stainless steel for $65 shipped.
I cannot stand exhaust leaks and if this will give me a higher chance of having header bolts backing out, then I'm all for spending the extra 20 bucks.
A member here recommended soaking the felpro gaskets in warm water for 10 minutes prior to installation. He said he used this method and has not had any leaks in years.
Has anyone tried doing this?
Also, do you guys with Breslins use washers when installing the bolts?
I cannot stand exhaust leaks and if this will give me a higher chance of having header bolts backing out, then I'm all for spending the extra 20 bucks.
A member here recommended soaking the felpro gaskets in warm water for 10 minutes prior to installation. He said he used this method and has not had any leaks in years.
Has anyone tried doing this?
Also, do you guys with Breslins use washers when installing the bolts?