As my other threads shown that I stripped 3 of the header bolt holes in the heads.

I bought a Crafsman Thread Restorer Kit for $60 bux at Sears and I saved one of the holes.

One hole is pretty bad, its the front hold, nearest the acc. bracket. I ripped 2 threads right out of the hole. So I dont know what I'm going to do with that one.

The 2nd to last hole isint too bad. I only tried to use the restorer on it once, (its dark now). I dont know what else to do.

Heres what It looks like now, Tell me if you think it will leak or not..

Try to understand this.........O's are Bolts and X's are no bolt. Will this leak? If I put silicone and everything on it?

O { } X.......O { }{ } O.......O { } X

 

I don't think you could get away with leaving any header bolts off if you don't want it to leak.

 

Didnt think so...but what do i do without taking the heads off??

 

You don't want to leave any bolt out. It will probably leak and cause the other bolts to take the load, possibly pulling them out. Pull the head and have inserts or heli-coils done.

 

Its such a big job though . Oh well. Ill just go by shoeboxs guide to cam install i guess and maybe even throw in a cam

 

Its a pay now or pay later sort of deal. If you leave bolts out, you risk exhaust leaks which will lead to poor driveability seeing they are before the 02 sensors.

 

Next time, leave the header bolts loose as you install *all* of them *first* before you tighten them down. Have patience. If you tighten the first one in, and the next one isn't lined up right you'll do what you are doing now, strip out the holes.

Also - Are you using 1" long header bolts? I just did my headers and the 1" bolts are *mandatory*. I recommend the ARP Stainless bolts and anti-seize on the threads. Tighten the bolts from the middle of the header out, alternating sides. Then carry the wrenches you used with you and check the bolt tightness after a few rides when it's cooled off. If you clean all the holes out with a good, sharp clean tap beforehand, you'll find everything goes easier, too.

 

It can also help greatly if you drill the header flange bolt holes, slightly, over size, before you even attempt to install them.

 

I think they actually are 1". Bought them at a speed shop by me. ARP Stainless steel.

Im actually getting excited to pull the heads off and maybe even port the heads and do a cam swap while im in there ya know.

 

Anyone know approx how much a local machine shop would charge to do a mild port job on the heads?

 

I would just send your heads off to one of the well known vendors around this site as at least you'll know you're getting a good product. I'd check www.advancedinduction.com.