Header bolts

[Zer0PSI]

Anyone know where I can find new header bolts for a 94 Ranger?

 

[Sunk]

Many auto parts stores sell sets of bolts for that. Or the hardware store if you know the threads. Just be sure to get Grade 8.

 

[Mutant Pony]

Well the thread is 10-1.50. They don't make metric 8 grade. metric header bolts are nearly impossible to find. You can order them from anyplace that sells 2300 headers. If you need something faster, I would go to the local steel supply and find some tubing that the exhaust manifold bolts will fit inside of and have pieces cut to length as spacers. They would be much easier to use then header bolts and easier to buy too!

 

[Dave R]

They don't make metric 8 grade.

Sure they do. The Metric system for bolt material "toughness" is a bit different, I believe they refer to the harder bolts as "10.4". It's been a while, I'd have to pull a catalog to double check the exact nomenclature though.

 

[Mutant Pony]

Yes Dave, There are higher grade metric bolts. I have some that are 12.9. My point was that they do not make 8 grade metric bolts.
You cannot walk into your local tractor supply and buy a bolt that will work in 2300 headers unless you make the tubes to bring the bolt heads away from the primary tubes.

 

[JoshT]

Personally I'd rather put in studs if they're available. I know that's what I'm going to do on my 2.8L.

 

[Dave R]

My point was that they do not make 8 grade metric bolts.

A Metric grade 10.9 bolt has the same 150,000psi tensile strength as an Imperial grade 8 bolt. As for finding a small headed "header" bolt in Metric, your not going to find an Imperial version at Central Tractor either.

Personally I'd rather put in studs if they're available. I know that's what I'm going to do on my 2.8L.

They are available, in various lengths, at about $1.85 each.

 

[Sunk]

Ok well, I meant don't just get any old bolt. Granted there probably isn't much stress on a header bolt, it goes through a lot of heat/cool cycles.

When I swapped my dead 2.9 for another, I snapped ALL of the bolts holding the manifolds to heads. After snapping a few, I realized it would be easier just to try to snap the rest. Man those things are freakin tiny. I got new Metric 10.8 bolts for the new engine.

 

[Mutant Pony]

Sorry Sunk. I didn't mean to be a jerk. I was actually trying to be funny when SOMEBODY made it serious.
I use studs whenever possible but, Studs don't help much on exhaust. You just end up with broken studs.
The 2300 doesn't have the problems with the exhaust bolts that the v6s do.
I used regular 3/8 header bolts in a pinch before, It is not the right thing to do but, it works.
If you didn't understand what I was saying about the tubes/spacers I can make some up and take a pic. Let me know.