Exhaust System Replacement

[Tynan918]

Never replaced manifolds, installed headers, or any exhaust parts...removed exhaust manifolds for a engine pull once and wrapped headers before, but that's it when it comes to the exhaust system.

Should I buy the parts and have a shop install them (how much ?) or just install everything myself

Starting with the manifolds first...

Headers or OEM manifolds? If headers, can you give me examples or specs as to what I should be looking for while shopping for headers ?

 

[Tynan918]

I would use grade 8 bolts coated with anti seize compound. Grade 8 bolts will have 6 tic marks on the head.

Threaded all the way down the bolt ? About how long ?

 

[Tynan918]

I would use grade 8 bolts coated with anti seize compound. Grade 8 bolts will have 6 tic marks on the head.

Length is 2"...

Grade 8 bolts are hard to find locally,and I only have cash in hand to purchase with ... These are the only type I could find specifically Grade 8 and the size I need.

If not grade 8, Zinc Plated or Stainless Steel or Galvanized Steel bolts ?

 

[buick7332]

Length is 2"...
View attachment 207097

Grade 8 bolts are hard to find locally,and I only have cash in hand to purchase with ... These are the only type I could find specifically Grade 8 and the size I need.
View attachment 207098

If not grade 8, Zinc Plated or Stainless Steel or Galvanized Steel bolts ?

View attachment 207099 View attachment 207100

Don't use stainless bolts. If they break they are very difficult to drill out. I bought grade 8 bolts for my Pontiac motor at home depot. Im also a fan of stock manifolds. If you have a running motor you may have some luck breaking the bolts loose with the motor warmed up. Be sure to use the right tools so you don't round the bolt heads.

 

[Tynan918]

Don't use stainless bolts. If they break they are very difficult to drill out. I bought grade 8 bolts for my Pontiac motor at home depot. Im also a fan of stock manifolds. If you have a running motor you may have some luck breaking the bolts loose with the motor warmed up. Be sure to use the right tools so you don't round the bolt heads.

I'm going to take a trip to Home Depot this morning and see for myself but the website wasn't showing me anything and I've only got like $10 to work with.

And yeah that was going to be my next question because I don't have a torch and don't have money to buy one.. I got two cans of PB blaster and I was going to soak both of the intake manifold bolts for a day or two and run the motor to get them hot and then break the bolts loose and complete the job.

What's the difference between manifold and headers ?

 

[Tynan918]

Don't use stainless bolts. If they break they are very difficult to drill out. I bought grade 8 bolts for my Pontiac motor at home depot. Im also a fan of stock manifolds. If you have a running motor you may have some luck breaking the bolts loose with the motor warmed up. Be sure to use the right tools so you don't round the bolt heads.

Should I get full threaded bolts or the bolts with the smoothed gap between the hex head and threads ?

 

[buick7332]

Should I get full threaded bolts or the bolts with the smoothed gap between the hex head and threads ?

Grade 8 bolts won't be full threaded. Exhaust manifolds are the easiest to work with. Tools that you may need to install headers include torch, welding machine, big hammer, long pry bar, grinder, sawzall, porta power jack, and a good selection of extensions and swivels for your ratchet. Good luck

 

[Clone TIE Pilot]

Years ago both Edelbrock and Hooker used to make direct fit short tube headers for SBC G bodies. Both are long discontinuted now. I know someone makes direct fit longtubes for G hodies but can't remember the name.

 

[Tynan918]

The only thing they had available at Home Depot was stainless steel and galvanized so I went with the galvanize because stainless steel is hard to drill in if it breaks and it's not so good against heat versus the galvanized.

 

[565bbchevy]

The only thing they had available at Home Depot was stainless steel and galvanized so I went with the galvanize because stainless steel is hard to drill in if it breaks and it's not so good against heat versus the galvanized.

I would have bought stainless.

 

[Clone TIE Pilot]

I would avoid stainless hardware for the exhaust as it would likely cause galvanic issues. Is there a Fastenal or Tractor Supply Store in youf area? They usually have a much better selection of bolts. Be surd to use anti seize on the bolts and wear disposable gloves.