nicksfoursix

I will be installing a set of FRPP Ceramic-Coated Shorty Headers (M-9430-S197C) along with the "Stage 8" header bolt kit (M-9432-A54) on my '05 GT. My objective is a one-time installation without need for premature replacement, adjustments, tightening, etc.
With this said, I need your opinion(s) on a good header gasket that can be "installed and forgotten".
I understand that the headers will come with gaskets and bolts. I'm wondering if the supplied gaskets will suffice. Or should they/can they be avoided/substituted for a better gasket.
Your opinions/experiences would help.
Thanks

BruceH

Use factory steel gaskets. Either buy new ones from Ford or reuse the ones on your car if they are in good condition.

SpartaPerformance

If this is the 1st time the manifolds will be removed you should be able to reuse the old gaskets.

atomicpunk

I believe the Stage 8 header bolt kit you need is 8906M. I remember reading a thread not too long ago where someone got the Stage 8 bolts from FRPP and they are not the right ones.

nicksfoursix

I am unsure whar the "8906" designates. The part number suggested to me by the local
Ford dealership (authorized FRPP dealer) is the "A54" bolt kit. Here is the excerpt from the FRRP catalog:

"STAGE 8" LOCKING HEADER BOLT SYSTEM M-9432-A54
Suggested Retail:$57.95 Sold in Units of:Each (1)
These kits fit most V-8 and many other engines. Includes (16) bolts and locking hardware.

PART NUMBER SIZE FITS
M-9432-A50 .375-16 x .75" ¹ Most Headers
M-9432-A51 .375-16 x 1" ¹ Ford Racing Hi-Flow Shorty Headers
M-9432-A54 8mm-1.25 x 22mm 4.6L/5.4L modular V-8 engines

100% reliable, zero failures in more than 6,000,000 applications. Header fasteners absolutely, positively will not back out. Eliminates need to monitor and tighten bolts regularly
Grade 8 aircraft quality bolts made in U.S.A. Duplex nickel plated
Manufacturer’s Lifetime Warranty
NOTE: ¹ Will not fit 4.6L/5.4L modular V-8
Package Dimensions: 1.50 x 9.25 x 2.75
Package Weight: 0.7 lbs
Part Type: Engine: Exhaust Related
Instruction Sheet: None
Warranty Availability: N/A
Catalog Page: 0
UPC Code: 75612205808

It specifies the "A54" as the designated bolt kit for the modular motors as found in my '05 GT. I believe the post you were referring to was a modular motor owner who bought a set of these bolts which were applicable to a non-modular motor.

atomicpunk

I got that part # from their web site:
http://www.stage8.com/
Here is a link to the thread:
http://www.s197forum.com/forum/showt...p+header+bolts

nicksfoursix

Atomicpunk,
Thank you so much for the information. Reading the thread from the S197 forum, I fully understand the situation. I ordered my FRPP headers and the FRPP locking fasteners from the Ford dealership last Friday.
ETA is 3-5 business days for the FRPP stuff. I will contact Stage "8" on Tuesday to get the correct length locking tabs, so I will be prepared for the installation.
I read many a thread regarding shorty headers during my research from many Ford/Ford Mustang forums. If my memory serves me correct, the thread I was referring to involved an installer who obtained a locking bolt kit for Ford V-8s (a conventional V-8) and not a modular motor. I believe this was cause of his anguish.
Anyway, thank again for the info.