Stainless steel exhaust Manifold bolts
Discussion
David H said:I've also heard they can react but thought this was more in damp/marine conditions.
They can react with the aluminium and then be hard to get out again.
Although saying that I'm using them with no problems yet (turn out still no probs). But have only been in less than 6 months so can't properly tell yet.
stainless_steve said:Steve, if your saying no because of the reaction will they react if coated with Copper Grease?
no
stainless_steve said:
Boosted LS1 said:
Why's that Steve? Some of the one's I've seen have smaller heads, 12 point iirc which makes them much easier to get a socket on.
Boosted.
Mike,you should be able to buy the same type bolts in mild steel.Alen key type should be easy to use in tight spaces.
I need socket heads as the header tubes prevent the use of allen keys. They must be available in mild steel. Thanks.
Boosted LS1 said:
stainless_steve said:
Boosted LS1 said:
Why's that Steve? Some of the one's I've seen have smaller heads, 12 point iirc which makes them much easier to get a socket on.
Boosted.
Mike,you should be able to buy the same type bolts in mild steel.Alen key type should be easy to use in tight spaces.
I need socket heads as the header tubes prevent the use of allen keys. They must be available in mild steel. Thanks.
If your having problems i can give you my suppliers number,they do a good deal if you buy a box full.Based near Huddersfield,so postage might be an issue.

Allen bolts are a no-no on many TVR's as there is very little clearance and some of the bolts are shrouded by the manifolds. Getting a spanner in is hard enough.
The ARP 12 point stainless bolts are a quality piece of kit. I seriously doubt they will shear - ARP rate them at 170,000 psi. They are less affected by extreme temperatures, so will stay where you put them, not loosen up and let your exhaust gaskets blow. Greased up with copaslip I can't see them seizing either. I'm using ARP bolts (stainless) throughout my engine build. I got them from here.
The corrosion problem many refer to is the other way round - alloy fasteners into sheet stainless, usually marine, when the fastener will corrode. Not really an issue with stainless fasteners into alloy - I've used them for almost 30 years now with no problems when lubed correctly.
The ARP 12 point stainless bolts are a quality piece of kit. I seriously doubt they will shear - ARP rate them at 170,000 psi. They are less affected by extreme temperatures, so will stay where you put them, not loosen up and let your exhaust gaskets blow. Greased up with copaslip I can't see them seizing either. I'm using ARP bolts (stainless) throughout my engine build. I got them from here.
The corrosion problem many refer to is the other way round - alloy fasteners into sheet stainless, usually marine, when the fastener will corrode. Not really an issue with stainless fasteners into alloy - I've used them for almost 30 years now with no problems when lubed correctly.
victormeldrew said:
Allen bolts are a no-no on many TVR's as there is very little clearance and some of the bolts are shrouded by the manifolds. Getting a spanner in is hard enough.
The ARP 12 point stainless bolts are a quality piece of kit. I seriously doubt they will shear - ARP rate them at 170,000 psi. They are less affected by extreme temperatures, so will stay where you put them, not loosen up and let your exhaust gaskets blow. Greased up with copaslip I can't see them seizing either. I'm using ARP bolts (stainless) throughout my engine build. I got them from here.
The corrosion problem many refer to is the other way round - alloy fasteners into sheet stainless, usually marine, when the fastener will corrode. Not really an issue with stainless fasteners into alloy - I've used them for almost 30 years now with no problems when lubed correctly.
They are spot on,sorry i was in a rush and didn't explain myself.These bolts are high tensile bolts manufactured for the job.Please only use this type,if you go to a local Joe Bloggs bolt supplier and ask for stainless steel bolts,they will shear,it may take a while but they will.
seasider said:Yes they are! 3/8 inch, and with being 12 point a doddle with a ring spanner even on a Tiv.
Thanks guys...
I'm not so much dressing the engine bay (yet) just wanted to use the best i could
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Looks like i wont be using the Stainless ones i bought today![]()
Cheers Victor will get my order inare the heads smaller than 14mm ?
Has anyone considered the issues with stst threads? They are very susceptible to binding. Small parts of the threads peel off and jam the thread, they are significantly more likely to sheer because they have far less elasticity than carbon steel. Just my two penny worth but fitting stst bolts into a system with a big heat cycle is something I would never do.
>> Edited by tvrbob on Friday 31st March 23:51
>> Edited by tvrbob on Friday 31st March 23:51
tvrbob said:Have you ever looked at the engines on drag racers? They have quite a heat cycle, and you'll find a majority of them held together with ARP stainless bolts. These are a long way from being the sort of s/s bolts you pick up off ebay for a tenner.
Has anyone considered the issues with stst threads? They are very susceptible to binding. Small parts of the threads peel off and jam the thread, they are significantly more likely to sheer because they have far less elasticity than carbon steel. Just my two penny worth but fitting stst bolts into a system with a big heat cycle is something I would never do.
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) just wanted to use the best i could
are the heads smaller than 14mm ?