Am I ready to install my headers?

[MuRCieLaGo]

It's just starting to get loose again. Did you guys put the locking tabs? I don't want to remove the fender liners and tighten the bolts after every ride.

[efnfast]

My stage 8's were manufactured poorly. The clips that hold the locking tabs would not fit in the groove. I should probably check them all for tighness (not sure if that's a word, but you get the point).

[RussMcB]

This is interesting. I've heard of retightening them once after a bit of time, but not loosening every ride.

Did you assemble with thread locker?

I installed mine last summer (Stage 8 bolts without using the locks) and haven't thought about them since. I guess I'd better check them. I think I used blue Loctite.

[MuRCieLaGo]

I did not install the locking tabs. It was a pain to clip in my hands, I can't imagine removing them when they are installed.

Local people told me to put Loctite. However, I followed Dynomite's advices and I put Permatex Anti-Seize. For me, Dynomite = God.

Should I put Loctite?

[Dynomite]

Originally Posted by MuRCieLaGo

I did not install the locking tabs. It was a pain to clip in my hands, I can't imagine removing them when they are installed.

Local people told me to put Loctite. However, I followed Dynomite's advices and I put Permatex Anti-Seize. For me, Dynomite = God.

Should I put Loctite?

I use Locking Tabs, Stage 8 bolts and Anti Seize on Exhaust Manifold Bolts

Exhaust Headers Locking Bolt Tricks

On the Injector Housing Gasket, Water Pump Gasket, Injector Coolant Manifold gaskets and Coolant Hoses as well as Thermostat Housing Halves (Anything where Coolant is Involved) I use a bit of Permatex 300 Form A Gasket (Not Too Much but on both sides of the gasket). I also use a bit of Permatex 300 Form A Gasket (Not Too Much but on both sides of the gasket) on the Oil Pan Gasket, Front Cover Gasket, Oil Filter Adapter Gasket (Anything where Oil is Involved).

Use of thread Lubricants, Loctite and Sealants

No Permatex 300 Form A Gasket on the Plenum Gasket (I have TB Coolant Blocked) and nothing on the Header Gaskets.

[RussMcB]

I'm a big believer of anti-seize, especially when there are different materials and heat cycles involved, but I'd still choose Loc-tite over anti-seize in this case.

Anti-seize is to help remove bolts that may be stubborn later, but you're having the opposite problem.

[Dynomite]

Originally Posted by RussMcB

I'm a big believer of anti-seize, especially when there are different materials and heat cycles involved, but I'd still choose Loc-tite over anti-seize in this case.

Anti-seize is to help remove bolts that may be stubborn later, but you're having the opposite problem.

Without the use of Stage 8 Locking Tabs.....YES
Actually without the use of Locking Tabs I would probably not use anything

[efnfast]

Why use Stage 8 if you're not gonna use the locking tabs?

[RussMcB]

Originally Posted by efnfast

Why use Stage 8 if you're not gonna use the locking tabs?

One small advantage is the Stage 8 bolts can be tightened with an allen wrench. That's kind of handy since some are not easy to get a wrench or socket on. It's nice using a ball-point allen wrench to spin 'em in.

[Dynomite]

Originally Posted by RussMcB

One small advantage is the Stage 8 bolts can be tightened with an allen wrench. That's kind of handy since some are not easy to get a wrench or socket on. It's nice using a ball-point allen wrench to spin 'em in.

Excellent point......some things I just do not pick up right away