I'm using Stage 8 locking header bolts with JBA headers into Edelbrock RPM aluminum heads. No specs came with the Stage 8 bolts or Edelbrock heads for the header bolts.

JBA's instruction guide says 23 Lbs/In. Now thats just insane as I can tighten by finger more than that! It just can't be right.

What torque should be used for my headers?

 

If you use ARP moly lube or anti-seize, 23lbs is pretty stout. I have to call BS on being able to hand tighten to 23lbs . Get a good torque wrench. I just installed my intake at 20lbs with my new electronic Craftsman 3/8 10-120lbs wrench and was shocked how stout 20lbs was. Keep in mind too that you are tightening a small bolt into aluminum so do not want to strip them.

 

He said in-lbs, not ft-lbs. 23 in-lbs is only about 2 ft-lbs. I still doubt you could tighten them finger tight to 2 ft-lbs. I use anti-seize and a combination wrench(it's all that fits) and get them rather hand tight. Use Fel Pro 1415 header gaskets and make sure the mating surface on the header flange is straight, hand tighten with a wrench and they should not come loose.

 

My mistake...23 inch*lbs is very little. I always just get it good and tight with a 1/4 or maybe 3/8 drive wrench. It does not need to be super tight, just enough to not leak and the wire. It may be 7-10ft*lbs but I never have put a torque wrench on the header bolts. If they are leaky, I hit them a little more.