[NeilZ]

Finally developed a leak at #8 cyl. so it's time. Didn't know about them for a long time. This 400 has long tube headers. So I figure the engine comes out or the heads come off. Has anyone tried leaving heads on, applying heat, welding up bolt material to get them out ? My concern is head or head gasket damage (warp, leaks). My former machinist brother says heat the bolt cherry red, build up bolt if needed, let cool to black and put a bean size piece of wax to wick into threads. Never had one he couldn' t do.

Another way this guy I worked with did them was drill a pilot hole big enough for a small torx bit hammered in. These bolts are most likely the originals from the cast iron days. Question 2 : Anyone know if Pontiac used grade 5 or 8 ? The 8's may be a problem drilling.

Sure miss my old Z28 header bolt access . Thanks for any help.

Neil