Stripped heads from IM help

NorCalLT1 · 12-15-2020, 02:48 PM

Recently my car was running like it had a vacuum leak. I have the MSD IM so i decided to check the bolts and there were some loose ones that i retorqued. However there were 2 of the longer bolts that bolt it to the head and im pretty sure they are stripped. I was retorquing them then they stopped getting tighter, so i stopped. I have not taken off the manifold yet but if they are stripped, what can be done about this?

thank you

NorCalLT1 · 12-15-2020, 04:45 PM

Well i just removed the manifold and now im confused. I could not see any visible damage to any of the threads in the head or the bolts going into the head. i attached a couple pics of the threads and the corresponding bolts. I havent cleaned any of the bolts so there is dried loctite on them. im not sure where to go next.

NYblack1le · 12-15-2020, 04:53 PM

Did you try threading the bolts into the head without the intake manifold ?

Ventmaster · 12-15-2020, 04:53 PM

The IM bolts require a deceptively little torque (in/lbs) and a good torque wrench. MSD provides very good instructs for installation. Good luck and don't use a dorque wrench on this one!

They also recommend you use blue loc-tite on the IM bolts.
https://documents.holley.com/frm3355...4_bxw_0718.pdf

BTW- did you replace the foam noise insulation under the OEM IM? I did not on mine and have had no issues with sealing, etc... and it was easier to line up and re-install.

NorCalLT1 · 12-15-2020, 05:44 PM

I did try threading the bolts right into the head and they seemed fine. I didn't torque them to spec but I snugg them up. Also I did remove the factory heat shield and used the high temp adhesive deflecting material. I also used the msd instructions and torqued everything to 75 in lbs or 89 in lbs. So im at a loss right now

s346k · 12-15-2020, 06:26 PM

did you check the bolts holding the manifold together? ive done 2 of them and i did not like how the manifold went together. gaps and several areas that simply would not mesh and look presentable.

since we're on the subject, i'm not a huge fan of the msd manifold. if it didn't make power id throw it in the trash can. its too expensive to have such shit quality.

im asking bc i noticed the manifold kind of popped and fell into place when i did both of mine. i went around the intake-cyl head bolts several times before i was happy with it. so far neither one i put on has had any issues.

NorCalLT1 · 12-15-2020, 07:00 PM

s346k i completely agree with you. i hate how it goes together too. all wavy with gaps. of course the bolts that go into the head help seal all that up but its still suspect. the allen heads that keep it together could possibly be the culprit for the vacuum leak but in my case it doesnt explain why the bolt holding it to the head keeps spinning. I initially thought maybe it was really loose and needed to compress everything again but i turned that bolt so many times it should have tightened up. also, it got tight to a point then just stopped getting tight, thats why i thought it was stripped.

12-15-2020, 02:48 PM	#1
NorCalLT1 Drives: SS Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: California Posts: 25	Stripped heads from IM help Recently my car was running like it had a vacuum leak. I have the MSD IM so i decided to check the bolts and there were some loose ones that i retorqued. However there were 2 of the longer bolts that bolt it to the head and im pretty sure they are stripped. I was retorquing them then they stopped getting tighter, so i stopped. I have not taken off the manifold yet but if they are stripped, what can be done about this? thank you

12-15-2020, 04:45 PM	#2
NorCalLT1 Drives: SS Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: California Posts: 25	Well i just removed the manifold and now im confused. I could not see any visible damage to any of the threads in the head or the bolts going into the head. i attached a couple pics of the threads and the corresponding bolts. I havent cleaned any of the bolts so there is dried loctite on them. im not sure where to go next. Attached Images

12-15-2020, 04:53 PM	#4
Ventmaster Drives: 2017 1SS 6spd Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Utah Posts: 2,869	The IM bolts require a deceptively little torque (in/lbs) and a good torque wrench. MSD provides very good instructs for installation. Good luck and don't use a dorque wrench on this one! They also recommend you use blue loc-tite on the IM bolts. https://documents.holley.com/frm3355...4_bxw_0718.pdf BTW- did you replace the foam noise insulation under the OEM IM? I did not on mine and have had no issues with sealing, etc... and it was easier to line up and re-install. Last edited by Ventmaster; 12-15-2020 at 05:09 PM.

12-15-2020, 06:26 PM	#6
s346k Drives: like an old lady Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: indiana Posts: 2,396	did you check the bolts holding the manifold together? ive done 2 of them and i did not like how the manifold went together. gaps and several areas that simply would not mesh and look presentable. since we're on the subject, i'm not a huge fan of the msd manifold. if it didn't make power id throw it in the trash can. its too expensive to have such shit quality. im asking bc i noticed the manifold kind of popped and fell into place when i did both of mine. i went around the intake-cyl head bolts several times before i was happy with it. so far neither one i put on has had any issues. __________________ 2016+ camaro: everyone’s first car

12-15-2020, 04:53 PM	#3
NYblack1le Drives: 2018 1SS 1LE Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: NY Posts: 395	Did you try threading the bolts into the head without the intake manifold ?

12-15-2020, 05:44 PM	#5
NorCalLT1 Drives: SS Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: California Posts: 25	I did try threading the bolts right into the head and they seemed fine. I didn't torque them to spec but I snugg them up. Also I did remove the factory heat shield and used the high temp adhesive deflecting material. I also used the msd instructions and torqued everything to 75 in lbs or 89 in lbs. So im at a loss right now

12-15-2020, 07:00 PM	#7
NorCalLT1 Drives: SS Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: California Posts: 25	s346k i completely agree with you. i hate how it goes together too. all wavy with gaps. of course the bolts that go into the head help seal all that up but its still suspect. the allen heads that keep it together could possibly be the culprit for the vacuum leak but in my case it doesnt explain why the bolt holding it to the head keeps spinning. I initially thought maybe it was really loose and needed to compress everything again but i turned that bolt so many times it should have tightened up. also, it got tight to a point then just stopped getting tight, thats why i thought it was stripped.

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