im almost positive that my motor tick is from a leaking passenger header gasket/bolt. I've read threads where people had Ford's "new updated studs" rot out so im not putting them in. Ive used ARP manifold bolts, head studs, etc in motor projects but ive never seen or used their header studs before, wanted to know if anyone had used them before? Im gonna call customer service tomorrow to see what grade stainless they use and probally order a set for my 5.4

 

just go to your favorite nuts/bolts store and get Grade 8 stainless studs in the proper pitch/length.

I was going to spend the $$$ on ARP's when I did the LT's on my Mustang. Ended up getting Grade 8 studs for 1/3 the price at Lowes in stainless.




Good luck on the project. That is one project that I'd hate to tackle

 

never seen studs atmy Lowe's? i installed the gibson headers around 37k on my truck, i just turned 100k last sunday night and its been ticking for about a month. I dont remeber why but i installed two bolts supplied with the headers on the passenger side for some reason and they were loose so i snugged um up and it was quiet for about a day, now the tick is back again. problem now is the factory studs are rusty and they feel like the nut is rusted to the studs....... hopefully they will come out while i heat them up with a torch if not i guess i gotta tap them again?

 

isnt fords threads standard into the head and metric on the nut side? The bolts i have are standard but the factory stuff is all metric?

 

I still have the original studs from mine and I just checked... I can take the nut off and it will thread on the opposite side so the threads must be the same on both ends of the factory studs.

 

Both sides of the OE studs are threaded M8x1.25. I kept one of the original studs from my 04' when I put my headers on. If you tighten the bolts and still have a leak your gasket could need replaced.

The vast majority of the stainless fasteners are too soft and shear easily. You can see what ARP has but the alloy steel bolts or studs will be the strongest. If you can get the grade 10.9 or stronger bolts with a highly corrosion resistant coating that would be best. Keeping some header paint on the bolts/studs help to prevent rust.

 

I used the ARP stainless studs, 12 point nuts and washers on my V10. I really liked them, and they have been in for over a year now while plowing and towing here in Michigan's salty roads with no issues, still look like new.

 

thanks guys, i guess im gonna order the ARP stainless studs and get a set of header gaskets. My gibson headers were nice for a year or two now their all surface rusted badly, you figure 600 dollars for STAINLESS headers should last 50 years with no rust at all?

 

Remflex Exhaust Header / Manifold Gaskets

These are the cats meow for header gaskets.

 

What grade of stainless were they?

 

the gibson headers? if yes i have no idea

 

Yes, the gibson headers. There are different grades of stainless and while they may technically be stainless it could be a low grade.

 

I just looked and they are a 409 stainless tubing with a nickel chrome plating.

 

mine were not nickel coated, they were just plain stainless

 

and if they are 409 stainless they shouldn't get surface rust at all, they should look brand new for the past five years not like they were in salt water for five years