Just ordered my RKsport headers (nearly same as Arizona speed and Marine).
I would imagine that they will come with cheap gaskets and bolts. I want to go ahead and do the install with the most trouble free and effective aftermarket bolts and gaskets.

1. Bolts
I dont want the locking bolts cause that looks like a terrific PITA. I want bolts that will never break or fail. Also I dont want 12 point.
I saw these on EBAY:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NASCA...spagenameZWDVW

2. Gaskets
I want gaskets that will not leak period.
What type of gaskets work the best?
I saw these on Ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HEADE...spagenameZWDVW

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/X-HEA...spagenameZWDVW

Thanks in advance for all replies.

 

Well, I guess if you don't want 12 pts, that point is moot. I would suggest getting ARP Stainless 1" (12pt) bolts and Felpro gaskets.

My reasoning: 1" bolts give you that extra insurance, esp. with thick flanges: 12 Pts are small headed and provide you with a little room between the primaries and the bolts and also allow you to use a 12pt wrench which allows you to get at the bolt at more angles: ARP stainless are strong and rust proof.

Felpro gaskets are one piece (where some gasket sets come in 3 pieces): they are also simple and inexpensive.

When you get your headers, make sure that the flanges are dead straight ( if they aren't, it makes no difference what gaskets you have because they are going to leak.

As far as the collector gaskets, it probably doesn't make much difference, but I'd still use some good bolts.

No matter what you choose, it is a good idea to retighten the bolts after a couple of heat cycles and check them every once in awhile (which is why you should make sure that when you install the headers that you put together a little kit with the right wrenches for each bolt(s) so that it is easy and hassle free. You might have to fabricate a box wrench or pick one up that is made for tight spots. JMHO

 

Thanks,
What part number on the Felpro gaskets, I have found the following:
1406 states SBC but many say they fit LT1 (1.530" H x 1.630" W)
1470 states LT1 (1.390" H x 1.410" W)

The 1470 is also twice the price of the 1406. Will this 1406 work fine?

I am going to reconsider the 12 point issue. I was informed that the hex head was easier to deal with.

 

Stock Lt1 exhaust ports are "D" shaped, so I believe you want the 1406s.

Big torque is not necessary or desired on headers, so 12 pt heads, in my opinion, provide more than adequate torque, esp with ARP bolts.

Again, when you get your headers, make certain the flanges are going to match up nice and flat with your heads. If you buy from Summit, I don't believe you pay shipping, just a flat handling fee and they are usually pretty reliable. Just make sure you get the right part number for the 1" bolts.

When my headers were first bolted up, one came loose during the ijnitial heat cycle and if it had been the shorter .75" bolt it would have fallen completely out.JMHO

 

You are going to use the Fel-Pro 1406s. They are for the D-shaped exhaust ports on your LT-1. I am currently using these and they seal up everything perfectly. Plus you can get a set for under twenty bucks.

 

I say you just buy stage 8 locking bolts. I've never had to re-tighten ANY bolt again and very easy to put on as well.

 

Yeah the 1406 are the one you want. As for the bolts I've tried the 12 point ARP on my impala 1 5/8" headers thinking that they are small tubes and 12 point will work, well I was wrong and couldn't use the closed end wrench on most of them, so went with ARP stainless hex head. Both use 3/8" head anyway, but with the hex you can use an open end wrench.

 

Felpro gaskets and breslin 12 point 1 inch bolts. The 12 points made the job easier compaired to the 6 points I had before. You have more room to get the wrench on them. Never had a leak since changing to these products.

 

Breslin bolts are the only way to go.

 

I learned a little trick that has worked WONDERS on all of the headers i have installed.. I bought the cheap Felpro Gaskets, then took Heavy Duty alumnum Foil and attached it to both sides of the Gasket with Spray Adheasive cut all of the holes out.. I have never had a gasket leak that was put on using this method.. That is as long as the bolts dont back out..

 

I have A S & M headers, the stage 8's do not work well with them. You can barely get a wrench on some of the bolts, I ended up not using them. ARP 12 point bolts are probably the best option with these headers.

 

I would definitely go with mrgasket or felpro gaskets. I tried copper and aluminum crush gaskets and they leaked in every port even after multiple heat & cool tightening.

 

for gasket go with mr gasket. get the kind with metal in the middle. My rk sport gaskets that were included sucked *****. I also tried the copper ones, they suck ***** too. Definately go with mr gasket, but make sure you get the ones with metal in the middle. I have had lots of experience with the motor coming out, and those gaskets didn't **** me off like every other one I have tried.
~Cody