Header Bolts

[Secret Agent Toast]

Hey everyone...

So i got coolant leaking out of the rear exhaust manifold studs on my 318 '68 Coronet and am thinking of swapping over to cheap headers while fixing the leak. I was planning on doing this anyway, just looks like it will be sooner than later.

So my question is what bolts/studs are good to use? it's a daily driver, not a racer, but i am willing to spend a little extra for better parts. Are bolts more likely to leak? are studs harder to get the headers onto? and just how do you put a stud in without damaging the threads?

thanks everyone!

I get all my best info from this board and the great people on it!

toast

[rumblefish360]

S.A.Toast;

I went "Joe cheap-o" on this once. And it still works today. 7 years later. I went to the hardware store and picked up a stud the correct size, cut it to length, added nuts. I used teflon tape to insure a seal.
I like studs because its easy to hang the headers and start the outside port, inside bolts. There allways a pain to do.
Then just spin on the nut to the stud. BAM. Done!
MoPar should have the stock studs on a shelf.

[PLUM CRZY]

The headers on my car have studs on the outer holes, and socket head cap screws or allen head screws on the remaining. Use stainless steel hardware or a high grade regular. Stainless is nice because no rust. If you have a good hardeare store by you, you should be able to find it all there!

[amoparguy]

Studs don't always work due to header design, sometimes clearance is tight. I couldn't get my Super Comps over the studs because of the lack of clearance. I ended up buying some ARP stainless header bolts. I used a small block chevy set on my 440 because they were easy to find and the parts house had them in stock. I honestly don't know why Mopars use a different part#, a 3/8" coarse thread bolt is a 3/8" coarse thread bolt. Go figure!

[swinging340]

I 2nd the stainless. No problems with mine.

[rodsvolare]

I would agree with amoparguy , my Volare had only one
stud ( that I couldn't get out) in it and it was an SOB to
get header over this one stud. However you may have
more clearance inbetween head and inerfender on your
B body than my F body. Studs would certenly be easier
if clearance isn't a problem!!!