I decided to order a set of JBA stainless steel shorty headers to replace the cracked and broken manifolds on my 351W. I am wondering whether locking header bolts are really necessary or will re-torquing a week or two after installation keep the bolts from loosening up repeatedly.

All input appreciated

 

Put headers on my 351W this summer. Bolts supplied with my Hooker long tubes worked loose in about a month, but retorqued and they have held since.

Just my opinion, but those 3/8 head bolts are tough to reach. Some will only allow access with an open end wrench and it is difficult to impossible to torque them properly. Some Torx or Allen head bolts would be much better.

 

These things are by far the best wrenches I've ever found for headers:



7 pc. Standard Locking Ratcheting Wrench Set: Flex and Twist with Sears

 

I put headers on my 351W two years ago. Re tightened them after the second drive, checked them a month later. They were still tight. I do check them once a year and they're just as tight as they've always been.

 

Sounds like just re-tightening and checking occasionally is sufficient. That saves me about $70 for locking bolts.

Thanks!

 

However I would recommend you buy header bolts that have a regular hex head with an alan key in the middle for fast removal and installation. Took me an hour to install 16 of the bolts on mine with an open end wrench. Never doing that again!

 

Was thinking about these but don't know if grade 5 is good enough for headers.

46723 - Spectre Performance Products, Header Bolts

 

I don't see why it wouldn't be good enough, they don't need to be as tight as your head bolts.

 

OK thanks a lot to everyone for the input. I can pick up the Spectre header bolts at AutoZone.