BBK shorty header install...

[SNAKEYES86GT]

My 1986 GT is getting new BBK shorty headers...and after searching the forum I've found nothing but bad news about headers in general. Let's settle this crap...will the gaskets and bolts that come with the BBK headers work or will they be a vagina for the next couple years? Someone also said that it's 400 dollars in labor to have headers installed . Also, what tools might I need to help me along...is there anything specific that anyone who has done this before can offer to make this less of a migraine? And finally, what should the bolts be torqued to? Thanks.

P.S. Barry Bonds, rot in hell.

 

[95Cobra302]

Since you can only get a small wrench on the bolts to tighten them, get them on tight as you can!! I only needed just the basic socket and wrench to get them off and the box end wrench to tighten so no abnormal tools were needed. Just spray the header bolts overnight with PB plaster to make it easier to get off. Oh and my gaskets that came with it have held of fine and haven't had any problems. Not sure about anybody else though.

 

[Trefty]

Try to get a swivel head for your sockets, will make tightening those end bolts in much, much easier. Also, when removing the old hearders from the collectors to your exhaust, use a grinder or plasma cutter, much easier then trying to cut it by hand with a hacksaw which is what I tried before giving up, hehe. Also, after you do get your headers installed, make sure you tighten the bolts about a couple weeks after driving, they'll loosen up on you.

 

[SYLENTBUTVYLENT]

Do yourself a favor an order a set of Stage 8 header bolts. Not only do they have the standard 1/2 inch hex head, but they also have a alin key hole. Works good for the tuff ones. Theses bolts have locking clips that keep the bolts from backing off from vibration. I would do the install, run the car for a week or so and then go back in and retorque the bolts, then put the clips on. Hope that helps

 

[Ranchero5.0]

After doing many sets of headers here is my recommendation. Toss the BBk gaskets and bolts. I've always used a 3/16" bead of Permatex Ultra permatex. It'll handle the temp and didn't blow out on my turbo applications like gaskets did. Also get a set of 1" bolts. The 3/4" bolts you get with the headers only get 3/8 of threads in the head on a 3/8" flange header. As a plus the permatex locks the bolts. Have never had problems with this process in over twenty four sets of header installs.

For some other tricks, take a small die grinder or dremel with a sanding drum and clean up all the weld inside the ports at the head.

for the install, they can be a pain, especially on a salt belt car. Expect the H pipe bolts to be seized. Get some JB-80 and spray it (Just say no to WD-40, it's garbage) on the bolts every day for a few days before doing the work. otherwise it's pretty straight forward remove and install.

Good luck.

Jamie

 

[90mustangGT]

Forget the paper or whatever gaskets that come with the headers. Get a set of copper header gaskets. Use an open end wrench to tighten the header bolts. Header install is time consuming and labor intensive, at least longtubes are, but not difficult. I am using standard header bolts, I just tighten them every week or so, takes about 1 minute. If they get loose and leak, with copper header gaskets you can just tighten them down the and leak will end, and you can re-use them if you ever have to remove the headers or heads.

 

[Ranchero5.0]

90 the copper gaskets will distort and compress over time, especially if the bolts come loose. You are describing what happens with the short bolts and heat expanding gaskets (copper, felt, graphite). On my builds they stay tight dang near forever. No slam, just info for you.

Jamie

 

[SNAKEYES86GT]

Ranchero...would you please enlighten us all on exactly how to perform this perfect header install...btw good stuff from everyone so far...appreciated.

 

[quiksilver9531]

I did a bbk shorty header install and Offroad H pipe about 2-3 months ago, first I hope your not paying someone 400 dollars to install headers, its not that hard...but just recently about a week ago i got an exhuast leak by the headers and i checked the bolts and they became hand loose and blew the gasket, so I got some fel-pro gaskets from summit and put those in and tighetened the **** out of the bolts with a wrench and a socket (for the ones you can get with a socket) but i agree the bbk gaskets are **** and the bolts are too small but Im cheap so I kept the bolts and I'll just check on them every week or two to make sure there still tight...I personally dont think the header install was hard just a little time consuming, the bolts from the h pipe to the header will def not come off but since I was putting on an offroad H pipe I just got a long breaker bar and they broke in half nicely...but a good spray is PB blaster

why does every exhuast bolt rusts...does the heat do something to the metal...why dont they come up with bolts that wont rust?

 

[90mustangGT]

Jamie,

When I put my car back togeather I might just try the longer bolts. I'm using the 3/4" bolts. Might try the permatex, don't know.