CMI header mounting hardware
 

Just wondering what your all using to keep your CMI's mounted up nice and tight. Just stainless bolts? Locking header bolts? Thread locker?

My CMI headers on my AT are just bolted with the standard header bolts. They do rust some, but have stayed tight for the 5+ years I've owned it.
On My Pantera, I used the ARP stainless header studs and nuts. They looked much better and stayed tight as well.

I have a combination of studs and bolts. No problems.

I use 1 1/2" 3/8x16 stainless socket head cap screws. Buy them at the fastener shop up the street from me.

Probably one of the most important things to do to keep them tight is to retorque the bolts/nuts after the first time they have been run for a few hours.

so whats the torque spec ft # , or does it differ on the type of header or bolt, I think Im gonna use the ARP stud and 12 point nut on mine.

Problem with studs and nuts is getting them on and off in tight engine bays. With the socket head cap screws (Allen) bolts a ball end Allen socket can get on every bolt and with my e-tops I had on my hawk I could get at every bolt with a dewalt cordless impact.

Sounds like a good idea. Probably a bit cheaper than ARP too....

I used the 6 point nuts and did not have any issues. With the 6 points, you have some greater flexability to get a wrench on them from the side instead of having to get an entire closed end wrench over and around the nuts.

I think spec is 30 or 35 #'s, but I never actually used a torque wrench. There just is not room on most of them. Just snug them up tight with using a normal length 3/8 ratchet or wrench.

allen head's a good idea, I just thought it would be easier with studs cuz you could hang the gasket on the studs and place the header on, and tighten, Im a new-bi to headers on a boat, installing some on my rebuilds this winter. :faint2: