Hey guys:
Finally got my headers thanks to some help from Scott @ summit. (THANKS SCOTT)
Anyway, I thought I read on here somewhere that a few of the diehards suggested that I take the headers to a machine shop and have the tube "lips" ground down smooth before installing with the gasket.
Is that what I should do, or is it a waste of time?

Thanks
Chris

Hey guys:
Finally got my headers thanks to some help from Scott @ summit. (THANKS SCOTT)
Anyway, I thought I read on here somewhere that a few of the diehards suggested that I take the headers to a machine shop and have the tube "lips" ground down smooth before installing with the gasket.
Is that what I should do, or is it a waste of time?

Thanks
Chris

that would almost guarantee all 8 cyl leaking. the weld rings around each port are what bites into the gasket and seals it.

Chris,
Just install the headers. http://forums.performanceyears.com/g.../icon_wink.gif

Thanks for the advice guys: What should those bolts be torqued @ ???
Also, the ones I ordered are black. Do you suggest removing the coating on them now and applying some good quality heat paint????
Or is it just a waste???
Thanks again!
Chris

Chris,

I ask Hooker headers about the black paint and they told me it was there just to keep the headers from rusting in the box. I took my headers to a powder coating outfit and had them ceramic coated. I saw on several post that the ceramic coating can last a few years.

good luck "torquing" your header bolts. we donthave chevys. you'll be lucky to have the wrench you need to get to the number 6 and 7 bolts. you pretty much wanna tighten them down as much as you can with whatever open end / ractchet/socket combo u use

you can get smaller than stock 12 point header bolts from arp...they help...a little...

HEY FRANK 75:
Just curious...how much did they charge you to coat your headers at the shop????? How did they turn out???????????

Chris

i posted something abou thte smaller bolts in the exhaust forum. the 5/16ths ARP header bolts helped me out tremendously. those 2 almost impossible bolts turned cursing and yelling into patiently wrenchin 1/4 turn at a time with an 8mm stubby. ill WILL NEVER use the 3/8 heads again. altho the smaller head bolts seem to loosen up. when i yanked my motor 2 were missing. altho i never checked them to re-tighten them in the yr and a half i drove the car onthe street.

Chris,

I had alot of parts powder coated, but I believe it was $100 and they turned out great. Have not put them on yet as I am still waiting for my stroker crank.

THANKS FRANK!
I can almost be certain that someone suggested grinding something down on the headers....does anyone know what it was???????????
Thanks for the help

CHRIS