Header bolts and gaskets
Purple77CJ7
Full Time Jeeper
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- Loveland, Colorado
- Vehicle(s)
- 1977 CJ 7; Amc 401 .30 over, Howell TBI, modified Dana 20 with Terra Low gears and twin sticks, NV 4500 5-speed, modified Dana 30 and Amc 20 both with 4.56 gears (narrow track), ARB air lockers front and rear, SSBC rear disc brake conversion, MICO Brake park brake, Navaho brake booster/ master cylinder, PowerTank CO2 tank.
Header bolts:
I read some other threads on this site about header bolts, most agree that Stage 8 bolts are the best. I agree, but I had to modify them to work with Edelbrock shorty headers, on the center bolts. Other brands of headers may or may not need modified. These bolts are nickle coated and no need for Lock Tite or anti-seize.
I had to file a flat spot (at red line) to fit, for clearance between bolt and tube. It files easy by hand since they are aluminum. Once done they attach easy.
There is another brand of locking bolt that I have not tried yet, but I have heard they work good. From Percy.
AMC V-8 Header gaskets:
I read some posts here about header gaskets and no fix. I tried several different brands and not all gaskets are equal. Some fit the dog legs better than others. I would always have leaks at the dog leg from poor fit or blown out material. For my headers the Edlebrock gaskets fit the best, but would become brittle and blow out. I even tried the expensive copper gaskets, they would not seal either. So were does it say you have to use a header gasket with headers? I was about to go back to stock exhaust manifolds, when I tried stock gaskets with my headers. They are made out of different material than the standard header gasket.
I installed the stock 3 piece set and have had no leaks or blow outs. To install, I used some high temp. silicone ( orange or red or ulta-copper) to stick the gaskets to the head with the head bolts run in by hand until set. Then bolt up headers. I have even re used these gaskets before with out any leaks. I thought with the opening between the two center tubes that it would cause problems but I think it scavenges some and actually runs good.
Hope this will help somebody out.
I read some other threads on this site about header bolts, most agree that Stage 8 bolts are the best. I agree, but I had to modify them to work with Edelbrock shorty headers, on the center bolts. Other brands of headers may or may not need modified. These bolts are nickle coated and no need for Lock Tite or anti-seize.
I had to file a flat spot (at red line) to fit, for clearance between bolt and tube. It files easy by hand since they are aluminum. Once done they attach easy.
There is another brand of locking bolt that I have not tried yet, but I have heard they work good. From Percy.
AMC V-8 Header gaskets:
I read some posts here about header gaskets and no fix. I tried several different brands and not all gaskets are equal. Some fit the dog legs better than others. I would always have leaks at the dog leg from poor fit or blown out material. For my headers the Edlebrock gaskets fit the best, but would become brittle and blow out. I even tried the expensive copper gaskets, they would not seal either. So were does it say you have to use a header gasket with headers? I was about to go back to stock exhaust manifolds, when I tried stock gaskets with my headers. They are made out of different material than the standard header gasket.
I installed the stock 3 piece set and have had no leaks or blow outs. To install, I used some high temp. silicone ( orange or red or ulta-copper) to stick the gaskets to the head with the head bolts run in by hand until set. Then bolt up headers. I have even re used these gaskets before with out any leaks. I thought with the opening between the two center tubes that it would cause problems but I think it scavenges some and actually runs good.
Hope this will help somebody out.
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