header problem

[SkipB]

Guys,

I am constantly having to tighten my header bolts. I actually lost two on a 50 mile run last week. This is driving me nuts! Is this common, or will they eventually stop loosening up? I have a 351W with aluminum (Edelbrock) heads and Backdraft split headers. The car is fairly new with only 650 miles on it. I have tightened them about 5-6 times when cold. Any ideas here would be helpful.

[Bruce Edwards]

Check your local speed shop. You can pick some up header bolts with a snap ring that you install after the bolts are on and tight that will keep them from backing out.
Always use a good header gasket not the cheap ones that come with most headers. The good ones will only shink a small amout were as I have seen others get very hard over a short time and blow out as they get smaller.
As far as gaskets go you get what you pay for and that really shows up on header gaskets!

[Unique580hp]

Also,

If you have rubber motor mounts and solid sidepipe mounts and solid collectors, something has to give when the engine torques. This is usually the header bolts. Headers have even been known to break at the flange because you have a rigid system and a moving motor.

Just yesterday I had a rubber gasket put put between my sidepipe mounts and frame.

[Bruce Robles]

SkipB
The easiest thing to do is call Stage 8 Locking Fasteners 800-843-7836 in San Rafael Ca. 94901, stage8.com. They have a great product for all kinds of things, headers, starters, oil pans etc..
Or you can drill and safety wire your bolts, which has been the norn for years.

Good Luck
Bruce

[Roscoe]

As an alternative:

I could not fit the bolts with the snaprings on my headers. I got a set of stainless header bolts drilled for safety wire from Totally Stainless. I wired the bolts in pairs. No more problem.

http://totallystainless.net/totally.html

Roscoe

[DAVID GAGNARD]

My Ford F-150 used to do that,I just put lock washers on the header bolts,works fine....

On my Mustang,I have the ones with the half-moon-snap-ring looking thing,they work great also....

David

[SkipB]

Thanks for all the replies and good ideas. I may have to go the safety wire route as the Backdraft headers offer very little clearance. It is even difficult to get a wrench on the bolts. I am sure this is common, but I just don't think the snap rings will fit. I suppose I should look at them first!

Thanks again guys!