In the coming months, if I can ever sell my damn truck, I'll be putting headers on my 05, but I'm not sure what exhaust manifold bolts I should get.

Can anyone recommend what set to buy specifically? I mean I know ARP are good, but which bolts specifically do I need... I don't know what size/type of bolts are needed for a 5.7L

 

Any brackets or such like bolt to the exhaust bolts/studs?

 

they should have brackets yes....they're the American Racing Headers long tubes.

 

Does the manufacturer offer a bolt kit with 'em?

 

Probably yes, but I want to make sure whatever bolts are used aren't going to end up snapping down the road.

The whole reason I'm putting headers on my truck is because I have manifold leaks everywhere, and it's really messing with my economy. I figure if I'm going to fix the leaks I might as well upgrade while I'm there.

 

The biggest problem with the exhaust manifold bolts, is the design of the manifolds themselves. They concentrate all the heat from one bank on the back of the manifold, so, the bolts get stretched, and break. Headers solve that problem permanently. The manufacturers bolts should come with all the correct spacers, etc. so all the brackets align properly. They should work just fine. Trick is, to use some GOOD gaskets. The RemFlex dead soft copper or aluminum gaskets are what I recommend.

 

Wonder if the repop market fixed that problem, I think Dorman and maybe others are making those manifolds and replacement bolts.

 

Manifold is essentially the same design, so, I expect it will have the same problems.

 

Dorman's design for the hvac doors are completely different and an improvement over OEM.... The price is pretty good on the manifolds, includes heat shields, and they also sell replacement bolts....