Exhaust Issues

[jsdoyle]

I have headers off my 350 that go into 3 inch pipes with Flowmaster 40's. It is pretty loud and a friend of mine told me that it sounded like my donut gaskets or header gaskets need replacing.

I got to looking at my headers at the engine and noticed a hodge-podge of bolts/nuts holding on the headers. See the two pictures attached. There appear to be two different size bolts, the outer ones larger than the inner bolt heads. Also the left front looks like a headless bolt with a nut tightened down.

Kind of inconsistent. I'm wondering, is there normally a standard size for all of the holes that attach the headers to the head?

The left side seems louder at the engine and it's possible the header gaskets are not sealing like they should.

Some of the bolts are rusted and I'd like to make them more consistent in appearance for both sides.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Scott

[61_FL_Apache]

Those inner bolts are typical header bolts. The smaller heads make them easier to use. Who knows what that stud was for on the passenger side.

[MOTOIMPAIRED]

It is real simple to replace the header gasket and put in some new bolts. Just replace the bolts one at a time but dont tighten them all the way. Then just drop down the new gasket and tighten all the bolts. Done deal!! I also spray mine with copper coat.

[Captainfab]

Agreed. Those inner bolts with the smaller heads are actual header bolts. I see you have what looks like the copper header gaskets, and I don't see any obvious signs of leaking. Have you tried tightening them a little? One of the biggest mistakes made with headers, is guys over tightening the bolts, because they think they are leaking. More often than not, this just warps the header flange, and you will never get them to stop leaking without removing the headers and straightening the flanges. This is why so many guys hate headers. I would also check your collector gaskets. Also check the little lip on both the header and the exhaust pipe and make sure it is not cracked or missing.

[jsdoyle]

Thanks for the tips!

So, I guess I need to pull a couple of the different sizes and go get some stainless replacements. Is there a source for chrome bolts or would stainless be the best choice?

[ChuckW]

A regular header bolt kit from your local hot rod shop will work great... Use some anti seize (Just a little) on your new bolts. They will thread in easier AND they will actually come out the next time you want them to!