Locking Header Bolts (ATR Headers)

[PJs97Talon]

I have the ATR headers on my Ty and am trying to install the intercooler brackets I bought from Tom. The previous owner apparently used some plain, regular, rust-prone bolts to hold the headers on.
I have two main questions:
1- Which locking header bolts is everyone using? I don’t know if the Stage 8 bolts would be the best or try the ones with the split threads and the allen bolts. With the way the headers are made- option 2 may be difficult to get tightened once installed.
2- Will there be enough space between the header bolt and the primary to attach the intercooler support brackets? I am not HUGELY worried about the lower brackets since it will be held up with the turbo and I have the one attached to the intake to hold the uic to the throttle body, but I would like it to be right.

I guess I would also need to know what size to get? I would assume the regular GM smallblock ones would work with a few spares?

 

[Icarus-54]

Re: Locking Header Bolts (ATR Headers)

Ther is not enough space between the primary and the header bolt for the brackets,as for the bolts get arp 3/4" bolts and put a little red silicone on them.ATR headers have very little space between the bolt hole and the primary,the gm bolts are way too big.The ARP bolts have the smaller head and even then on some ports you can't use the washer.

 

[PJs97Talon]

Re: Locking Header Bolts (ATR Headers)

Ther is not enough space between the primary and the header bolt for the brackets,as for the bolts get arp 3/4" bolts and put a little red silicone on them.ATR headers have very little space between the bolt hole and the primary,the gm bolts are way too big.The ARP bolts have the smaller head and even then on some ports you can't use the washer.

Do you have a P/N? I may try and source the locally.

 

[Ty 1885]

Re: Locking Header Bolts (ATR Headers)

I have the ATR headers on my Ty and am trying to install the intercooler brackets I bought from Tom. The previous owner apparently used some plain, regular, rust-prone bolts to hold the headers on.
I have two main questions:
1- Which locking header bolts is everyone using? I don’t know if the Stage 8 bolts would be the best or try the ones with the split threads and the allen bolts. With the way the headers are made- option 2 may be difficult to get tightened once installed.
2- Will there be enough space between the header bolt and the primary to attach the intercooler support brackets? I am not HUGELY worried about the lower brackets since it will be held up with the turbo and I have the one attached to the intake to hold the uic to the throttle body, but I would like it to be right.

I guess I would also need to know what size to get? I would assume the regular GM smallblock ones would work with a few spares?

You WILL need the bottom brackets to hold ic! The turbo to ic pipe will pop off under boost! Ask how i know.

 

[PJs97Talon]

Re: Locking Header Bolts (ATR Headers)

Utilize a spacer on the 2 bolts that also hold the brackets. On a stock manifold, the base of the bracket is about 1-1/2 from the head. The angle will be correct if you utilize spacers.

As far as locking bolts go. Take a look at how GM did the tubular manifolds on the L98's in Corvette. They use welded-on spacers on every position, and use "regular length" big-head bolts. This is to provide some thermal elasticity so the bolt can expand and contract with heat cycles so it doesn't pull the threads in an aluminum head, or just plain get loose on an iron head. I've never seen this feature on a set of aftermarket headers. It must be of benefit, or GM wouldn't spend the money to do it on every car with tubular manifolds.

My guess is that it saves them money and/or time somewhere. It may make them easier to install or make the bolts cheaper or something.