What do you guys run as far as header fasteners? I bought some Stage 8 locking bolts, now I'm reading they're a pita to install. Are the stock fasteners studs? I'm debating sending these back and just getting studs, seems like the best way to go as far as getting the header lined up + holding the gasket in place.

 

lol I found out real quick with my long tubes every fastener was a pita to get on. I ended up using a mix of hex heads and allen heads , because where the hex heads and washers wouldn't fit the round allen heads would and visa versa. Because of the tube diameter and bends . I also ended up having to use an end mill on my drill moter to open the holes up on the flange in a few places because who ever built the headers ( OBX ) likely Chinese couldn't figure out how to use a jig so the holes were not all lined up.
As far as the gaskets went those were a breeze because they had the 2 end holes slotted like little hooks that once you got the end bolts started the just slid in behind the header flange and hung on the bolts.

 

I second Dawson's slide the gasket in after you have two bolts loosely started. I can't remember what brand my header bolts are, but they have 3/8" 12 point heads, and are standard hex bolts other than that. I just checked them the other day, and are still good and tight after two years.

 

Stage 8 locking bolts here, you won't be disappointed, those things don't come off. I didn't install mine, I was getting some work done and the shop guy brought up my header leaks so I told him to throw some on.

 

Alright, I'll just stick to these. I have to clearance the retainers due to the larger primaries

 

You taxpayers donated my gr 8 header bolts lol I had the 12 pt fasteners that came in my ARP kit but I couldn't fit a wrench in there. Ended up going with allen heads. +3 on fitting in your gasket after the bolts are started. Took me half an hr to figure this out. Lol

 

OK, here's what worked for me many times in the 40+ years.
Get a grade 2-3 bolt that's a little to long and cut thead off. Then make a slot for a screwdriver in it.
Install a couple of these in the head so as to use them to line up the header then install he header bolts in the rest of the holes.
Then remove the pair of 'crew studs' and in stall those header bolts.
I've found some 12 point header bolts at O'Riellys that are 3/8" size that are also broached for an Allen wrench, use a ball ended Allen and install away.....

 

BTW, always use a good dose of anti-sieze when putting any bolts into an aluminum head....

 

Hmm, only thing I didnt use antiseize on was the intake bolts. Now I'm thinking of taking them out and doing it...

 

I always use the silver stuff that Permatex sells.....