[nmal]

I plan on installing TSP 1 7/8 headers soon and was wondering what header bolts everyone is running? The installation guide says to use stock gaskets and bolts but I don't believe the TSP headers come with new bolts. Should I re use the OEM, buy new ones or get ARP bolts?

[GreyGhost702]

Originally Posted by nmal

I plan on installing TSP 1 7/8 headers soon and was wondering what header bolts everyone is running? The installation guide says to use stock gaskets and bolts but I don't believe the TSP headers come with new bolts. Should I re use the OEM, buy new ones or get ARP bolts?

I think the book says virtually all of the OEM hardware is throw-away or one-time use. Rather annoying. In my experience, critical hardware should be ARP or replaced as stated. Non-critical hardware, such as headers, I would re-use. In fact, I have re-used mine, a few times now.

I would be careful using ARP hardware for headers. Remember you're threading steel into aluminum. ARP hardware is meant to be strong, so it wouldn't take too much "oops" to strip the threads out of the heads. They also offer studs, but you have the same risk. If you were doing a twin turbo setup that was flanging directly to a set of headers, I would say a studded kit is the way to go. Superior clamping method to assure torque is true.

I haven't had any issues with reusing my OEM bolts. After putting a few heat cycles on them, I go back and check their torque. The first time I bolted on the headers new, I had some extra turn on the outside-most bolts. The second time I put those headers back on I didn't get any extra turn rechecking the torque. No leaks either.

[nmal]

Originally Posted by GreyGhost702

I think the book says virtually all of the OEM hardware is throw-away or one-time use. Rather annoying. In my experience, critical hardware should be ARP or replaced as stated. Non-critical hardware, such as headers, I would re-use. In fact, I have re-used mine, a few times now.

I would be careful using ARP hardware for headers. Remember you're threading steel into aluminum. ARP hardware is meant to be strong, so it wouldn't take too much "oops" to strip the threads out of the heads. They also offer studs, but you have the same risk. If you were doing a twin turbo setup that was flanging directly to a set of headers, I would say a studded kit is the way to go. Superior clamping method to assure torque is true.

I haven't had any issues with reusing my OEM bolts. After putting a few heat cycles on them, I go back and check their torque. The first time I bolted on the headers new, I had some extra turn on the outside-most bolts. The second time I put those headers back on I didn't get any extra turn rechecking the torque. No leaks either.

Thank you! Did you reapply antisieze on the OEM bolts? And is the torque spec still 20-22 ft lbs or is it lower if you re use them?

[vince3]

Did you find a deal on the headers? I want some TSP headers too, but i can’t find a vendor with them on sale.

[nmal]

Originally Posted by vince3

Did you find a deal on the headers? I want some TSP headers too, but i can’t find a vendor with them on sale.

I couldn't find a deal at the moment but I'm holding off to buy them until memorial day where most websites have a sale on almost everything they carry. The Texas speed website usually has up to a couple hundred dollars off of I remember correctly they were about $900 this summer. Hopefully we can find a sale soon

[KingLT1]

ARP

[radz28]

I've used ARP studs for headers before, and they were great. No worry of stripping, and the polished finish was nice and bling.

[OB0001]

Stage 8 Locking Header Fastener Kits 8917

[nmal]

Originally Posted by KingLT1

ARP

Thanks King!

[nmal]

Originally Posted by radz28

I've used ARP studs for headers before, and they were great. No worry of stripping, and the polished finish was nice and bling.

Thanks for the recommendation. I'm debating between the polished or the black finish

[nmal]

Originally Posted by OB0001

Stage 8 Locking Header Fastener Kits 8917

Thanks I'll have to check them out!

[tortilla-flats]

Originally Posted by OB0001

Stage 8 Locking Header Fastener Kits 8917

Call me old school but this is what I've always used.

[RobZL1]

Originally Posted by OB0001

Stage 8 Locking Header Fastener Kits 8917

I'd use them without the locks, though. The locks flapping around can cause false knock.