It's been over 400 miles since my SLP LT w/ catted Y install on my 2000 Z28. I did the install myself. I was told by a reputable source, (East Side Performance), that it is OK to reuse the stock head to manifold bolts for the install. SLP had also told me this, the flange is the same thickness.

I decided to check and re TQ my header bolts today. I checked all but one (the VERY rear PASS side one). I found only one that was loose, and luckily it was on the driver's side. The only problem I had was that the band clamps for the cats seemed to be a bit loose. A 15mm wrench and about 5 minutes took care of that.

I just figured that I would share this bit of info for future reference. I also did NOT use locktite. I will keep posted as time goes on and AFTER my 2500 mile journey, next monday. (CT to NM)

 

I also used the stock bolts. These are in Macs and it'll be a year since the install next month. No locktite either. Checked them back in March and all was well.

 

Year and a half with MACs stock bolts and no locktite, no leaks. *knock on wood* In fact when I had the exhaust shop weld the Y pipe to the I pipe he advised against locking bolts.

 

I figured I'd post this to help w/ any arguements. THere are a few on here the swear up and down that the stockers will walk them selves out of there.


EDIT- It could also differ w/ the vehicle. Kind of like an organ transplant, the body may reject it.

 

Me and DanBUCF both have the Pacesetter LT's, we both used the same gaskets, and reused the stock manifold bolts w/no loctite. His backed out some and had to be retightened but only once. Mine never budged at all. He's got twice as many miles on his odometer, but we both have at least 5K miles on the headers (I believe, ask Dan about the mileage). Maybe it's mileage related?? Any thoughts?

 

Mine is daily driven. I have at least 12k miles on them.

 

like I said above. I think that it depends in the vehicle. It might work on some but not others. It's unpredictable, the only way to find out if they will keep is trial and error.

Like I said above, it's like an organ transplant, the body may reject it. Mabie some LSx's will take well to the change, and others....It will not agree w/ them.

Cars have personalities I tells ya!