Anyone ever use allen-head header bolts?

This removing them one flat at a time is a hassle.

Seems like the hardware store would carry hardened allen headed bolts that would be easier to get on and off.

 

I always use allen head bolts on headers. They are usually grade 8 or better.

 

I use them on some bolts that kept backing out on me...no more problems.

Seth

 

I gotta try some of those...

 

Checker/OReilly here in town has header bolts with both an allen head and a hex head combined. The best of both worlds!

 

I bought some of the stainless ones off of eBay. Was only able to use them in about half the holes, the bolt heads were too big to use on the back sides of the header tubes. Had to use regular header bolts on those.

 

i like to use arp header bolts. they have a 3/8s head on them. you can put a box end on every one of them

 

REALLY? Then without a doubt, I gott get those ARPs.

 

Don't use allens on the headers.
The tubes that turn back won't allow you to get the allen wrench in there to tighten them. I second the 3/8" head bolts. The usual 7/16" heads are fine, but the 3/8" heads give you that much more room to work. Use the longest combo wrench you can find for your size bolt head. That helps a great deal.

 

i use 7/16's on mine, didn't have much issue, but 3/8's would be better i imagine

 

I didn't even know you could get them until recently.
I was surprised at how well I liked them after using the larger ones for all these years.

 

The ARP's are awesome, I can even use one of my Craftmans ratchet wrenches on mine.

 

The bolts I got (7/16) with allen heads came with a 3/8 drive hex socket. great for getting at some of the bolts. I think because there are so many bolts on each side of the headers(8), it just seems like a PITA to get them out. If it was just one bolt it would be no big deal. But 8 makes it feel like a lot of work

 

I always install the stage 8 locking style so I only have to do them once and they never loosen back up that and a good set of copper gaskets the stage 8s are normally 3/8 12 point that I use. Hate the allens after they have been in there awhile you cant get enough leverage to get them loose and occasinally they round would like to see some torx or inverted torx ones though

 

Header bolts blow, regardless of what style head (I think we all agree) - especially when using the 1-3/4" primaries and a spacer plate. I had to use a BF chisel last time to get the Hooker's out of mine. I'm not looking forward to puting 'em back in.


hmm.. note to self: "Suitecase" type fasteners for each header.