Quick questions about gaskets and bolts for my MACs

This should be the spring that my mac mids are finally going on. After my clutch of course!

The headers came with bolts, and gaskets. But I'm thinking I should get better gaskets and possibly locking header bolts. I am on a bit of a budget. I've seen threads about using fel pros but I'm not getting the proper part numbers I think.

I would rather not use the bolts with the little clips as I heard they're annoying - are the ones with the center tightening piece better? (hold it in place with a wrench, use an allen key to tighten the inside)


Thanks guys - wife just gave the green light on the clutch purchase so thats on the way, so I'm going to throw in a couple extra pieces if I can get them for a good price.

This should be the spring that my mac mids are finally going on. After my clutch of course!

The headers came with bolts, and gaskets. But I'm thinking I should get better gaskets and possibly locking header bolts. I am on a bit of a budget. I've seen threads about using fel pros but I'm not getting the proper part numbers I think.

I would rather not use the bolts with the little clips as I heard they're annoying - are the ones with the center tightening piece better? (hold it in place with a wrench, use an allen key to tighten the inside)


Thanks guys - wife just gave the green light on the clutch purchase so thats on the way, so I'm going to throw in a couple extra pieces if I can get them for a good price.

I'm not well-versed with the nuances of the TransAm, but if it's got an LT1
(which I'm sure it does), then you want the FelPro FPP-1470. It's what I
used on my 95 Z28 mating Kooks headers.

On the bolt side, I chose stainless steel (cause headers are) socket-head
bolts (you know - you use an allen wrench). I find it's a much cleaner installation:
http://picasaweb.google.com/calder.cay/Z28/photo#5175832328402025650

Dont go to Sears or ACE (they want $2/piece for the bolts). I went to a
local "fastener" shop (mostly cater to the commercial industry) and bought
all 12 stainless steel bolts for $5 !! (same dang-durn bolt).

That seems like a good idea about the bolts - I suppose I could take one of the bolts from the MACs' box and use that to get the correct size...

The bolts you are referring to are the Stage 8 brand, they are kind of annoying and hard to install with those clips. Breslin was a popular choice, but they are no longer in business. Alot of people are also just using 1" ARP bolts and have had good luck with those. As for the header gaskets, I was using the Fel-Pro 1406 ones. I'm not sure about the 1470s, although it seems that is the part number people are using so I don't know.:shrug:

I went with the ARP bolts. They are nice because of the small 5/16" head, so its easy to get a wrench on them. I went with Percy's Seal 4 Good gaskets first, but blew those out when my bolts backed out. I went with the Fel-Pro 1470's after that because of availability and reference from a local LT1 mechanic. Work good so far.

lbrowne:
My MAC setup came with copper gaskets which I used and have had no problems. I had some 316ss 3/8" x 1" Allen Head bolts plus washers and used those. Just recheck tightness a few times over the first few weeks after installation. Also, I used some of the Permatex 101BR "Ultra Copper" high temp silicone as a combination thread lube and anti-vibration compound on the bolts. Used that on the #1 tube slip-joint and on the O2 sensor threads too. No leaks and the O2 sensors are still working well. Check the #1 tube slip-joint fit and make sure it's snug before installing. I used a T-bolt clamp on mine.
Good Luck

Also, I used some of the Permatex 101BR "Ultra Copper" high temp silicone as a combination thread lube and anti-vibration compound on the bolts. Used that on the #1 tube slip-joint and on the O2 sensor threads too. No leaks and the O2 sensors are still working well.
Use anti-sieze instead. The heads are aluminum and you risk siezing a bolt in there, and stripping out the threads in the head later. Same for the O2 sensors.

i would and did use factory gaskets, and i used the arp 1 inchers and have not had any issues

i would and did use factory gaskets, and i used the arp 1 inchers and have not had any issues

I'm curious, have you had issues with aftermarket exhaust gaskets causing you to stick with factory only replacements?

I'm curious, have you had issues with aftermarket exhaust gaskets causing you to stick with factory only replacements?

no not personally, but i read so many horror stories about them and the cost of factory is almost the same it did not make sense to not use them

OK, got the felpro 1470s and the copper high temp silicone.

So for bolts, the local shop has ARP - but I was really leaning towards trying to get those allen tightening bolts like I mentioned above. Anyone have an arp part number?