440 Headers....Studs & bolts

[BlueSS454]

I was trying to get the headers on the 440 tonight and being fought the whole time.  I know the 2 end bolt holes go through to a water jacket and need sealed studs, but what about the other 4?  DO they have to have studs or can I just use standard header bolts?  All of the studs are being very difficult to start and I can't get a ratchet on the inner ones.  I am hoping I can just put in regular header bolts instead.

[firefighter3931]

I use header bolts on all the holes.....just use some Ultra Copper (permatex) high heat silicone on the threads and let it set up overnight. Fill the cooling system in the morning and fire it up. 



Ron

[aifilaw]

agree'd. I've had nothing but problems with studs.
And use silicone on ALL the header bolt holes or you will have leaks.

[Charger-Bodie]

well im gonn kinda be the oddball her and say that i like the studs. seal them upthe same way ultra copper tighten em up good let it sit put the headers on fire it up. .......but either way bolts or studs is fine really the key is to seal them all good and let it cure. tighten the header fasteners from the middle out and it should stay sealed for a LONG time.....by the way i really like the dead soft allu. gaskets they are the best way to go! IMO

[BlueSS454]

Thanks for the info guys.  I'm going to use the studs on the ends and use regular header bolts in between.  I'm not ready to fire it up yet probably next week sometime so it will have plenty of time to set up.