Stage 8 header bolts?
 

I'm gonna be installing new stage 1 TFTW heads shortly. I've always had to replace header gaskets regularly (5-10,000 miles). Have heard to mill the header flanges and others have said Stage 8 bolts. Both are probably good depending on a specifific problem . Just wondering if anyone sees this problem and/or has the solution?

Rev

I've never had problems with burning header gaskets or anything. I do have to check the header bolts about once a month or so just to make sure they are all the way tight. They come loose faster after I remove/reinstall them too. I have ARP stainless steel bolts.

Is your problem that the bolts are coming loose and burning the gaskets? Or is the gasket just not sealing right?

They're tight when I put them in, but then I sorta forget about them untill the next header leak. Then I just have to replace the gaskets again.

Rev

what gaskets are you using, Rev? I always liked the steel manifold gaskets! Also, check all your hangers. Header mufflers with no hangers will tear up gaskets in a hurry.
andy

There's an old trick out there that tells to soak your gaskets in water prior to installing them. This is supposed to make them seal better. BS. This helps them deteriorate quicker. Don't fall for it.

Take a straight edge to the flange, and if it needs machining, machine them. Otherwise, put a retorque note on the refrigerator door.

Take care,
-Chris

Chris, your wrong, it wasnt water you soaked them in, it was gas!:D let me tell you something. i dont know about the rest of you out there, but stay away from MAC's! i have shorties and you can even see how uneven the headers are! so far mine hasnt leaked, but i assure you they will soon. stay away from MAC shorties!

Hey guys, I'll soak them in human blood if it'll do any good, ha,ha.

Still hoping for Stage 8 bolt experience.

Rev

I've seen the stage 8 bolts work. I don't run the becuase they are a pain to install & I would do like most people & just skip the clips when I take them on & off. I've had the headers on & off so many times in the past few years that the header gaskets didn't have time to go bad. next time they come off, I'm gonna try socket head cap screws instead.

Do it...
 

I had Stage 8's on my car and they worked great. I had unequal shorties so they weren't hard to install. Maybe with equals, but I couldn't see long tubes being a problem either. If you have a problem with header bolts backing out that loc-tite won't solve, I highly recommend the STAGE 8's.

Bob