Header Bolts - Power Loss?

Mattalicious · 09-23-2009, 05:55 PM

When changing my oil yesterday/checking it with the dipstick afterwards, I noticed basically all of my Header Bolts had fallen out. There are about 3 on each side still holding them there.
What problems could this pose? Do I need to just grab some new Header bolts and bolt em back up? Will I need new gaskets or anything? Also, when really getting on the car, I notice the acceleration is great up until about 4000RPMs when it falls a little bit but continues to climb. Could the headers not being properly bolted on attribute to this power loss?
Thanks for any advice.

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302army187 · 09-23-2009, 06:00 PM

your headers will warp from not being tight on all sides.

and yes, you are losing back pressure though the header leak, and depending on how extreme it is, you could be giving the O2 sensors false readings.

buy new bolts, fix it.

Mattalicious · 09-23-2009, 06:16 PM

Aye. Going to do that right now. Unfortunately AutoZone is stupid and only carries sets of 12, when I need 16.
There's also a very small exhaust leak where the Header on the driver's side couldn't completely bolt up to the old exhaust because of how rusted and whatnot it is. I'm sure that's attributing to some of the power loss as well.