I've been fighting header bolts loosening. I don't have any header/frame contact. I'm running Remflex header gaskets.
I did some research and decided on going with a set of header bolts from Totally Stainless. BC Broncos sells these too but they do not list on their website how long theirs are and I wanted a set of 1" long bolts. These were slightly shorter than the set of ARP's that my engine guy installed originally.
These Totally Stainless header bolts are unique. According to the guy I talked to on the phone, the Nard washers are installed on these prior to the threads being cut. Also, the head is a little smaller than the normal ARP's which was a benefit to me. I have a couple that are extremely tight (1.75" primaries). They also make these in 5/16" head for a little more wrench/socket clearance but I stayed with the 3/8" head and customized an old wrench I had multiples of. Incidentally, the Totally Stainless header bolts are ARP's also. Some kind of a joint venture I believe.
Here's what I ordered:
Comparison of ARP and Totally Stainless (normal ARP is on the left):
And here you can see the Nard washers that keep these from backing-out. Any additional washers are not to be used for this system to work.
And the anti-sieze came with the set.
These two are fun with the dipstick bracket in there:
And here's my custom wrench. Couldn't get a non-custom wrench on a couple.
I couldn't go with Stage 8's due to room. I thought about safety wiring as I used to do a ton of safety wiring on M61A1 gun systems but these looked too easy. These aren't cheap--I believe about four times a normal set of ARP's--but I've been fighting this and wanted something that works. I took her for a spin and torqued them again. Hopefully these are what I need.