Header Gasket

Few questions on what to do when fixing the notorious header gasket.

1. What is the best method...should I try to take off the nuts or cut them, and weld on a new nut?

2. What do you use for replacement studs/bolts?

3. How difficult/long does it take?

Thanks guys

 

1) take off studs or bolts do not cut. aluminum heads don't like heat

2) This for replacement if your using headers
Stage-8 Locking Header Bolts - JEGS

3) should be a couple hours. Ease? Since you have the 97-03 shouldn't be to tough if you have the tools.

 

blast the bolts with some solvient....let it sit then break em loose and you should be good

 

I've heard that people don't even try to take them off because it just breaks off in the block. They cut the nuts off, pull off the header then put nuts on so they're closer to the head and weld em on. The heat would release any stuck bolts.


But that's just what I heard

 

just be sure to use a 6 point wrench some penetrating fluid and maybe heat the nuts up if u have to

 

yeah, I gotta find bolts/studs for it before I try anything