Headers/fastners

[Junior 01]

I've used headers quite a bit in the past but anyways had to be checking torque on the bolts at the flange and collector. I'm not sure I'm willing to do that on the '80 GMC 3/4 Ton in about to restore thigh l though. What do you guys use that works great? Stage 8? Studs? Or is running manifolds the only way to be basically maintenance free?

 

[Doppleganger]

I have always preferred studs. Just wish I could find the same (8mm) copper lock nuts they use on 4-N cars (BMW's creation) in an SAE thread for these.

 

[ali_c20]

I use studs with long brass nuts and exhaust lock tabs. I never seen the copper lock nuts in other than metric sizes. You could make custom studs with metric threads and use the copper nuts. Which would be very extravagant but a nice detail.

 

[SquareRoot]

Read this thread specifically posts #68/69.

Thread 'Playing with hookers today. 10 out of 10!' https://www.gmsquarebody.com/threads/playing-with-hookers-today-10-out-of-10.37786/

 

[bucket]

The hardware isn't the issue, it's the gaskets. With good aluminum gaskets, you'll never have to tighten the bolts again after the initial run-in. Flange gaskets and collector gaskets both. Collectors with ball flanges either need double-nutted, or use the pinch type lock nuts.

 

[idahovette]

@bucket tell me the brand, again Andy???

 

[bucket]

@bucket tell me the brand, again Andy???

There's at least a few manufacturers. Percy's is one of them I can remember.

 

[Doppleganger]

I use studs with long brass nuts and exhaust lock tabs. I never seen the copper lock nuts in other than metric sizes. You could make custom studs with metric threads and use the copper nuts. Which would be very extravagant but a nice detail.

GM actually made one (iirc for a transmission bracket) in 3/8-16 / M8 but the nut is welded in place making it worthless.

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If I still worked in a shop, I'd be tempted to make my own set out of stainless.

 

[bucket]

GM actually made one (iirc for a transmission bracket) in 3/8-16 / M8 but the nut is welded in place making it worthless.

You must be registered for see images attach

If I still worked in a shop, I'd be tempted to make my own set out of stainless.

Those had many applications, the most common being bellhousing bolts on the GMT 400 trucks.

 

[Dutch Rutter]

Last time, used proform wedge locking bolts and Remflex gaskets. Never had an issue with them, even with smaller flanged headers.

 

[Rustisbest]

ARP with the 5/16" head or Percy's split lock for the bolts and felpro for the gaskets on my junk. Never had any issues

 

[Daron58]

FWIW- I usually source all of my oddball studs and nuts through McMaster-Carr they have a wide selection of both and you can choose from several different alloys and grades for each, and they don’t gouge you on shipping. Good luck I’d be interested in what parts you use for future reference

 

[82BBC20]

I have the stage 8 fasteners with layered aluminum gaskets on my rowdy bbc headers and have had zero problems.

 

[Catbox]

Remflex gaskets have worked well for my BBC with headers.
No leaks from those, just leaks from the crappy collector gaskets we through in there for the "time being" that has turned into forever.

One day we will redo those gaskets with the good stuff too.

 

[idahovette]

@Catbox who handles the remflex brand?