Header/side pipes questions

[olddog]

I will go with the 8 bolt pattern, which will put the bolts about 2.5" centers apart.

I'm thinking 1/4" bolts to hold the flanges together. Do you agree?

One person suggested using soft copper for gaskets. Good idea?

I will not go with the small expansion chamber idea. I'll keep the individual tubes seperated as designed.

I will put an extra O2 bung at the collector. I want to be able to get a wide band O2 there for tuning anyway. Good suggestion and thanks for the part numbers.

For you welding experts, how far from the ends of the pipe do I need to strip off the Jet Hot coating? I was thinking a 1/4" and a friend recomended 1". I don't want to remove any more than necessary, but want good welds. What say you?