Header Bolts

[BackCountryAK]

Just ordered my long tubes for my 2010 Ram and was wondering about what's the best hardware for the install. I'll definitely go with new OEM gaskets but been debating the bolts. I've been looking at the Stage 8 - 8916 MOPAR 4.7, 5.7, 6.1 Liter Hemi V8 Header Bolt Kit - 8mm 1.25x25mm and the MOPAR OEM 6.1 Liter bolts - 06503131 - M8 1.25x30mm.

The Stage 8's looks nice but am wondering how much of a pain it is to install locks. The Mopar 6.1 bolts already come with the factory thread locker applied. Does anyone have any recommendations and does the 5mm difference in bolt length make any noticeable difference? Guess I can always go with the bolts that come with the headers but am not sure of their quality. Thanks.

 

[charonblk07]

Do the Stage 8s, they're the best I've worked with on the 5 sets I've installed by this point. You can install them without the locks if you want as they are still great bolts, the locks are just an added bonus and not that difficult to install at all. Typically there's only one bolt that I've never been able to get the lock arm onto because it's too close to the primary tube but everything else locks into place just fine using a screwdriver to push the retainer onto the bolt.

 

[BackCountryAK]

Did you end up using any anti seize on the threads when installing the Stage 8's? I've read things on the internet with some stating that when using anti seize on header bolts, they will end up loosening and you'll have to retighten them. I just want a maintenance free install!
Also, any difference with the Stage 8's being shorter than the OEM bolts?

 

[charonblk07]

Did you end up using any anti seize on the threads when installing the Stage 8's? I've read things on the internet with some stating that when using anti seize on header bolts, they will end up loosening and you'll have to retighten them. I just want a maintenance free install!
Also, any difference with the Stage 8's being shorter than the OEM bolts?

I have always used high temp anti-seize on every bolt installed because I have every intention of removing them at some point in the future and never had one back off, even without the locks installed; keep in mind that every set of header bolts should be checked for proper torque after a few heat cycles because there will always be some movement because the heads are aluminum and the headers are steel and they have different expansion rates. Some people will use thread locker but given the temperature that the heads experience the thread locker can cause a false sense of security.

 

[Paluby]

Your headers you purchased are coming with bolts?
I would go stage 8 personally.

 

[BackCountryAK]

I ended up going with the Stainless Works 1-3/4 primaries with cats from GotExhaust (thanks Andy). I liked the ARH set up too, but too much of a hassle/cost to get them coated and Stainless Works offers that option. Living in AK does have its challenges! Their kit does come with hardware but the bolts are only grade 5 and everything that I've read always recommends grade 8 for a header swap. Guess I'm leaning towards getting the Stage 8 bolts although the Mopar OEM 6.1/6.4 bolts can be had for almost half the cost.

 

[Paluby]

Ahh okay. Yeah my JBA 1-3/4" set didn't come with bolts. Totally understand the challenges of being in AK haha.

 

[MADDOG]

Do the Stage 8s, they're the best I've worked with on the 5 sets I've installed by this point. You can install them without the locks if you want as they are still great bolts, the locks are just an added bonus and not that difficult to install at all. Typically there's only one bolt that I've never been able to get the lock arm onto because it's too close to the primary tube but everything else locks into place just fine using a screwdriver to push the retainer onto the bolt.

Ditto. There is no substitute and nothing works better than Stage 8's product.

The locks are not a hassle to install and they insure that bolt will not back out if you place them properly.