STAGE 8 header locks

F-250 restorer · #1 (**permalink**) 10-30-2009, 09:15 AM

I was wondering if anyone has used the Stage 8 header locking bolts system which Summit sells.

I'd like to know what you think about them before I buy them.

Thanks.

F-250 restorer · #2 (**permalink**) 10-31-2009, 12:24 PM

I guess no one has used them?

gfw1985 · #3 (**permalink**) 10-31-2009, 12:41 PM

I'm waiting for someone to answer also. Thinking about it, but price is a little steep.

F-250 restorer · #4 (**permalink**) 10-31-2009, 12:46 PM

I originally bought them when I was doing the rebuild, but mechanic convinced me to use studs and crimp nuts. Now, after having them loosen up several times, I am reconsidering them.

I figure $60 would be worth not having to hear the exhaust leak every few weeks. That gets old real fast. I just need to know if they hold.

gfw1985 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-31-2009, 02:50 PM

I'm tempted to drill a hole in the bolt heads and safety wire them. We wired everything on aircraft, I just don't know how long the wire would take the heat unless I found some stainless wire. With my aluminum head I'm sure I'll have problems keeping them sealed.

F-250 restorer · #6 (**permalink**) 10-31-2009, 07:18 PM

There is another locking header bolt system, which has the bolt heads drilled and a stiff wire, sort of formed like a half circle, which is inserted each end through adjoining bolts. I don't know the name of them, but I've seen them in autozone, which makes me believe it is specter brand, and that is probably not a good thing.

Good luck.

Btw, that sounds like a really sweet engine you are building.

vincenthp · #7 (**permalink**) 10-31-2009, 09:34 PM

We used special heat treaded safety wire on the turbine section of a jet engines.

Vincent

gfw1985 · #8 (**permalink**) 10-31-2009, 09:37 PM

Thanks, hope to have an update in a week or two. Waiting on parts. I'm sure you are familiar with safety wiring, but here is a link: Safety Wiring - More Than You'll Ever Need to Know I know for sure they won't loosen using that method.

gfw1985 · #9 (**permalink**) 11-01-2009, 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vincenthp

We used special heat treaded safety wire on the turbine section of a jet engines.

Vincent

Thanks Vincent, you jogged my memory a bit. It's been quite a few years since I worked on one.

Sand_Man · #10 (**permalink**) 11-01-2009, 09:49 AM

My brother has a set of the Stage 8's on the small block Chevy in his hot rod. It has aluminum heads and was constantly having loose bolts and exhaust leaks. Since he put the Stage 8's on, not even one problem or leak. They defintely work.

F-250 restorer · #11 (**permalink**) 11-01-2009, 04:11 PM

Thanks, Sand_man, It is always better to ask someone who has used a product before buying. So often products don't live up to their claims.

The Stage 8 bolts look pretty good too, so I am going to go with them. I'm sure that drilling and wiring the bolts would have worked too, but working with the wire down under the headers in tight spots made me rethink that system. If $60 will save me several hours of tightly confined labor, and seal up the exhaust effectively, that is the way I'll go.

gfw1985 · #12 (**permalink**) 11-01-2009, 05:20 PM

I think that probably will be the right move. My body doesn't work as well as it used to.

Sand_Man · #13 (**permalink**) 11-01-2009, 05:31 PM

I've always liked the "race car" look of safety wired stuff, and have used it at work during turbine rebuilds at work. But I think on header bolts it would be more trouble than it's worth. Plus, where would you anchor the outermost bolts to? Tying the bolts that are next to each other together would work, but with the outer ones, you're gonna have to drill a hole to anchor it to. I think you'd be happy with the Stage 8's.

big_ford_rednek · #14 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 09:05 PM

i also am considering these header bolts. the theory behind htem seems solid. hopefully this month i will be able to find out if they work.... hopefully..

F-250 restorer · #15 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 11:11 PM

I ordered mine today. I was going to get them from Summit, but they wanted 50% of the price extra for shipping!! So I checked with a local performance shop, and got them for the same price sells them for--but without the shipping charge added on.

Hope to drop in the new engine this weekend, so I should have the headers bolted down the the Stage 8 then too. I'll post a notice in a week or so and let everyone know how they are working.