Headers, where to buy?
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 133
Likes: 14
From: Massachusetts
When you installed the Ebay headers, what did you use........studs or bolts? And how are they (headers and fasteners) holding up to normal use and weather? Had my studs and manifolds replaced 3 years (+/-) ago by the dealer (under Fords ESP) and are already due to be replaced again, this time by me, and I figure if I am going that far I may as well go with headers. I already have the Banks "cat-back" system, however I cannot justify the cost of the Banks headers..
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
Likes: 423
From: Long Island USA
With the headers I used, there were too many places where the tubes would be interfering with studs, so I used bolts.
I didn't use the ones they supplied, they were way too short.
I went out and found grade-8 zinc-plated (galvanized) bolts, used anti-sieze, and no problems so far. I measured the required length by using a depth gauge (the pointer that sticks out of a dial caliper) to measure the depth of the hole, added the thickness of the gasket, and the header flange, and came up with a length. Then added a lock washer and a stainless flat washer, and subtracted another 1/8" or so.
Even then, I had to use a somewhat shorter bolt in one or two places (but not as short as the supplied bolts).
I didn't use the ones they supplied, they were way too short.
I went out and found grade-8 zinc-plated (galvanized) bolts, used anti-sieze, and no problems so far. I measured the required length by using a depth gauge (the pointer that sticks out of a dial caliper) to measure the depth of the hole, added the thickness of the gasket, and the header flange, and came up with a length. Then added a lock washer and a stainless flat washer, and subtracted another 1/8" or so.
Even then, I had to use a somewhat shorter bolt in one or two places (but not as short as the supplied bolts).
