Author Topic: How many header bolts are you using on shock tower cars  (Read 1121 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

6667fan

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 856
  • Every Second Counts
    • View Profile
Re: How many header bolts are you using on shock tower cars
« Reply #15 on: September 19, 2026, 06:16:26 PM »
Top & bottom only. Bigger issue with my Crites are leaks where the tubes go into the collector. 
Some of the high heat RTV smeared inside the collector before tubes go in helps there.
JB


67 Fairlane 500
482 cid 700/617
TFS Tunnel Wedge, BP BBM Heads,  Bullet Custom Solid Roller, Ram adjustable clutch, Jerico 4-spd, Strange third member with Detroit Locker, 35 spline axles, 4.86
10.55@125.74 1.46 60’

Rory428

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1151
    • View Profile
Re: How many header bolts are you using on shock tower cars
« Reply #16 on: September 20, 2026, 05:11:47 PM »
Nearly every engine on Earth uses two bolts per port.  Some, like the GMs, Mopars, and AMCs with siamesed center ports, use two for those ports.  Two works just fine.
And GMs, Mopars, and others with siamesed center exhaust ports, and 2 bolts per port have been known to have much more issues with header leaks than a Ford or other engine with at least 2 bolts for EVERY port. Personally, I have been installing every header bolt on a 16 bolt FE head, whether factory 428 CJ iron heads, or aftermarket aluminum, and in almost 50 years of doing so, I have NEVER had a header leak while doing so. That said, I have yet to find a set of headers that I could physically get all 32 bolts in, but I can usually get at least 28 or 29 in.
1978 Fairmont,FE 427 with 428 crank, 4 speed Jerico best of 9.972@132.54MPH 1.29 60 foot
1985 Mustang HB 331 SB Ford, 4 speed Jerico, best of 10.29@128 MPH 1.40 60 foot.
1974 F350 race car hauler 390 NP435 4 speed
1959 Ford Meteor 2 dr sedan. 428 Cobra Jet, 4 speed Toploader. 12.54@ 108 MPH