Hey I recently installed a set of jet hot headers on my 95 lt1 camaro along with a Borla exhaust. The problem is the header bolts keep backing out. So far every other day I have to tighten them. Is this common? Is there a way to remedy this problem?
Thanks Rob

 

Put Loctite on them. Also what are you torquing them to??

 

Even red Loctite isn't going to have a good enough heat resistance for header bolts, but it's worth a shot. The bolts backing themselves out is a pretty common thing, it has to do with the expansion/contraction of the materials as they heat up/cool off along with the vibration. Just tighten them up on a regular basis at first, once they've gone through enough heat cycles it will slow down and stop.

 

Rob,

Common problem; I purchased Stage 8 Locking Header bolts from Jegs 5 years ago and recently removed them to have my headers Jet Hot Coated ( I Love the coating/what a temp difference under the hood). I reinstalled the bolts and locks and once again NO PROBLEMS at all. These have worked great for me and they are listed under part #868-8900 for an LS1/LS6 or 868-8911 for 3/4 " length or 868-8911A for 1" length. Call Jegs at 1-800-345-4545. Summit sells them also but I don't have there catelog in front of me. Price is @ $45.00 but worth every penny.

Good luck,

Roy

 

slvr is correct, the exhaust is the most moving part on the engine, i went to lowes(or any local hardware store) and got locking washers and ive never had a problem and it beats paying 60 bucks for the stage 8 set when you spend about a dollar here

 

hmm, seems I'll need to keep an eye on my bolts now that I have headers.

 

The first couple months are the worst, so check often! After that make sure they're all tight every time you change your oil. That's what I do and it's worked out for me (mostly...I burnt through a set of gaskets the first time around since I didn't check it often enough)

 

i burnt a gasket set also..and got a nasty exhaust leak..i think i am going to get some locking washers for mine because my ss sounded like a Harley Davidson with the exhaust leak.