Im doing a header install on a 96 cobra i almost got the passenger one off when it started to rain (hard) so i packed up for the day i hear of bolts backing out n all that but the bolts that came with i realy dont trust should i just use the old ones
Yes, you can re-use the stockers. If you have the extra money, why not invest in some stage 8 locking bolts? They're guaranteed not to back out. If you re-use the stockers, I suggest bolting the new headers back on, warming up the motor to operating temperature, letting it cool, and getting it back up to operating temperatue and re-tightening the bolts. Or some anti-seize on the ends of the bolts may provide cheap insurance that they won't back out.
stage 8 locking is one of the best things u can do for headers! i put those on my 5.0 and they never came un-done!
The stock nuts (factory uses studs and nuts) are self locking. You can pick up new ones at your local Ford dealer cheap. There is nothing wrong with using the stock factory hardward (except it won't fit for a couple of tubes - at least when putting on BBK's). When I put headers on a 99 Cobra, I used a combination of the stock hardware and the grade 8 locking bolts. The studs are nice because its easy to get the nut started vs a bolt in some of the tighter areas. I wouldn't use the bolts that come with the headers though.
When I had my headers installed I INSISTED on using the stock studs/nuts/gaskets. 2 of the passenger side studs did have to get replaced with bolts because of clearence issues though. So far no leaks... U.M.
