Stainless header bolts

[CDXXVII]

Any advantage/disadvantage to using stainless bolts in aluminum cylinder heads?
I've got a 2006 GMC with 6.0 gas. Since the OEM exhaust manifold bolts are known for breaking I was looking at, say a ARP, replacement but I live in the salt belt so stainless came up on the radar.
Not sure if the OEM bolts break due to poor metallurgy, shearing from expansion-contraction or embrittlement caused by thermal cycling.

[BruceS]

CD,
I'm running ARP 6-pt. stainless bolts with the matching washers on the iron manifolds to iron heads on my Fairlane.  No probs after having them on the car for about 6 years now. However it's not a daily driver...
I used them because here in SE Texas anything iron or steel on the engine that's not painted, plated, or stainless turns to a ball of rust in no time. 

Bruce

[cjshaker]

I switched the header studs in my aluminum headed 4.6 GT to stainless. Factory bolts/studs are notorious for rusting and/or breaking if you have to service or change them. Just make sure to use neverseize (sp?) so they don't gall or pull threads.

[rockittsled]

Just use antiseize and go slow on stainless bolts, they can gall when used in aluminum, going in or out 

[GJCAT427]

I used brass/ bronze bolts in both of my 427s, No problems in 20 yrs I check them every so often to see if they loosen. For the most part they haven`t.

[Lenz]

Just use antiseize and go slow on stainless bolts, they can gall when used in aluminum, going in or out

I'm planning on using a copper based never-seize I happen to have on the shelf for my stainless header bolts to aluminum head assembly.  Is there a preferred brand or makeup better suited to the high heat application?

[Heo]

I worked att a boltmaking factory as a repairman.
And att the heat treat owens we had problem with
bolts and nuts seizing. We tried brass nuts, kopper
based anti seize and a lot of other things.
But finaly we tried WD 40 and it solved the problem
Just sprayed on the bolt and asembled and about
a year later when we changed heating elements
there was not a single  seized bolt
And Before about half the bolts snapped of

[Lenz]

I was never a big believer in WD40 beyond its obvious capabilities, but I use it casually and probably everyone who reads this forum has it on the shelf.  There must be a component in there that is not bothered by the heat, that is some interesting and good info.

[rockittsled]

on aircraft engines and brakes, my work cards normally spec the nickel anti-seize when using stainless bolts

[Lenz]

on aircraft engines and brakes, my work cards normally spec the nickel anti-seize when using stainless bolts

The makeup of stainless is such that nickel makes more sense than copper when looking at compatibility, appreciate the info. 

[Heo]

I was never a big believer in WD40 beyond its obvious capabilities, but I use it casually and probably everyone who reads this forum has it on the shelf.  There must be a component in there that is not bothered by the heat, that is some interesting and good info.

Yes i never belived in those spraycan magic potions
before i saw that.
I read somwere that WD 40 is made from Fish oil ....maby from some
heat resistant pikes

[Lenz]

We have awesome yellow perch (and "walleye", the other version or name for pike) right here, love fishing lake Erie.  Limit is 30/head, not sure if I can run my header bolts across enough of the perch I've caught to make a difference but we'll see.

[Heo]

Well if fishoil that smelly stinky oil you can Cook from
seals and herring.It was used here back in the day
when they mixed their own paint to paint the light
houses and fishing cabins out on islands in the sea.
It was the only thing that lasted in the harsh climate
I had a 200 liter barrel left in my barn. by my grand
father or his father,so maby i should have mixed my
own WD 40
I live right by the coast. I have the sea on one side
of the house, and the river on the other side
So my family have been fishermen and pilots and
shipbuilders and seal hunters.
 Atleast the last 300 years. So sometimes
i make strange finds in the Buildings on my property

The pirates of the caribian

[Lenz]

Well, I can pretty much double dog guarantee that you are the only forum member (or reader for that matter ) that has a 200 liter barrel of fish oil out back.  Fantastic stuff

[BruceS]

Heo,
Those are some tough hombres! Just think about what they accomplished with what they had to work with in those days... Especially with no FEs!  . Must be some beautiful country too.

Bruce