Header bolts

[XR7-4.6]

What’s everyone using? I’ve been mulling over picking up a set of these but they look really tedious to install (from below with the k member dropped for me)

https://www.americanmuscle.com/kooks-mustang-stage-8-locking-header-bolts-bk102.html

Anyone using them? Obviously with a 4.6 I want something one and done forever.

 

[theterminator93]

I honestly don't know, Dalke put them in, but I could try and get a look at them if you think it'd be helpful... all I know is he used Remflex gaskets with them because not all the flanges were parallel to the head. That better not be a problem with yours.

 

[Ericv8thunderbird]

I used stainless studs, I can’t remember where I got them, I think Amazon, but I can’t find them In my past orders. I want to say they were like $25?

They’ve been on for 4 years, and they still look new, but my car hasn’t seen snow and rain since 2007.

Edit: I’m pretty sure these are it. Dewhel 16pcs stainless exhaust manifold stud kit 2 manifolds for Ford 4.6 & 5.4 Liter V8 https://a.co/d/1srsiHn

 

[KevinVarnes]

The thought of installing and removing all of those E-clips in cramped quarters makes my brain hurt.

 

[Grog6]

Installing the e clips is the hard part. You might get lucky popping them in with a magnet tool, but you may also need a curved set of pliers too. I've installed a billion tiny e-clips on vcr and tape deck spindles, so those don't look too bad. I have a set of those to put my kooks on the 2v rebuild,but I'll have mine on a stand.

 

[Generalee0527]

I used Nord washers on my '04 5.4l f150 as they are notorious for breaking studs. Sold the truck a couple years later and it was never an issue. They are supposed to not loosen and it doesn't have extra hardware.

 

[supergordo]

Well I've installed several sets of Kooks headers. In the car and on engine stands. on the 16V 4.6 there are a couple cylinders that you have to use a combo wrench no matter what. So if you want one and done. Use the kooks bolts and deal with tedious work.