Best Performance Exhaust Header Bolts of 2026
* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Performance exhaust header bolts are an essential component for any high-performance vehicle. These bolts are designed to withstand the extreme temperatures and pressures generated by high-performance engines. They are made from high-quality materials such as stainless steel or titanium, which provide superior strength and durability. Performance exhaust header bolts are available in a variety of sizes and styles to fit most applications. They are also designed to be easy to install, with a simple bolt-on design that requires no special tools or expertise. If you're looking to upgrade your vehicle's exhaust system, performance exhaust header bolts are a must-have component.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Performance Exhaust Header Bolts
Spectre Performance 46723 7/8" Header Bolt
Spectre Performance 46723 7/8" Header Bolt is a set of 12 high quality, grade 5, gold iridite hex head bolts that fit all General Motors, Ford and most Chryslers. These bolts are useful for securely fastening exhaust headers to your vehicle's engine, ensuring that they stay in place while you drive. The gold iridite plating provides an additional layer of protection against corrosion and other forms of wear and tear, increasing the lifespan of the bolts.
ARP 1001110 Header Bolts Kit
ARP 1001110 Header Bolts Kit is a premium grade bolt kit designed to help you install exhaust headers effortlessly. With 170,000 PSI strength rating, these bolts are considerably stronger than Grade 8 hardware. Plus, the 3/8” diameter and 1.000 under head length of the bolts make them a perfect fit for exhaust headers. Made from black oxide finished chrome moly steel, the traditional hex style heads of the bolts provide easy maneuverability. The package includes 16 pieces of bolts and premium-quality washers.
Mr. Gasket Header Bolt Set
Mr. Gasket Header Bolt Set includes 12 exhaust header bolts made from carbon steel with a black oxide finish that resists corrosion and provides a clean professional appearance. The compact hex head and flange are ideal for tight spaces.
Moroso 38710 Header Bolt
This is a 3/8" x 3/4" header bolt designed for securing exhaust headers. The package dimension is 7.18" x 5.37" x 1" and the item package weight is 0.55 pounds. It is made in the United States and the model number is 38710.
ARP Header Bolt Kit for BBC SS
This ARP Header Bolt Kit is specifically designed to fit Big Block Chevy vehicles. The package includes hex bolts with part number 4001112 and a weight of 0.75 pounds. The kit is perfect for those looking for reliable and high-quality exhaust header bolts.
Stage 8 8911A Locking Header Bolt Kit
The Stage 8 8911A Locking Header Bolt Kit includes grade 8 bolts with a duplex nickel finish that won't stretch when hot and provide corrosion resistance. The double hex head features a 3/16 inch recessed allen head for easy installation and is removable and reusable. Additionally, the bolts can be visually inspected without needing to put a wrench on them to check tightness.
Stage 8 3/8"-16 Header Bolt Kit
The Stage 8 Header Bolt Kit offers high-quality Grade 8 bolts designed to withstand heat without stretching, ensuring reliable performance in your vehicle. Its duplex nickel finish not only enhances appearance but also provides excellent corrosion resistance, making it a durable choice. The double hex head features a convenient 3/16 inch recessed Allen head, allowing for easy installation without hassle. Plus, you can easily check tightness visually, eliminating the need for a wrench. This combination of features makes the kit user-friendly and efficient for any performance exhaust project.
Stage 8 8900 Locking Header Bolt Kit
The Stage 8 Locking Bolt Kit is a high-quality performance exhaust header bolt kit designed specifically for GM Small Block engines. These Grade 8 bolts are built to withstand high temperatures without stretching, ensuring a secure and tight fit. The duplex nickel finish not only offers a superior look but also provides excellent corrosion resistance, ensuring long-lasting durability. The double hex head design includes a 3/16 inch recessed allen head, making installation a breeze. One of the standout features of this bolt kit is that it is removable and reusable, allowing for easy maintenance and future adjustments. Additionally, the visual inspection feature eliminates the need to use a wrench to check tightness, saving you time and effort. With the Stage 8 Locking Bolt Kit, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your exhaust header bolts are secure and reliable.
Stage 8 8911 3/4" Locking Header Bolt Kit
The Stage 8 Locking Bolt Kit is a high-quality performance exhaust header bolt kit designed specifically for GM Small Block engines. Made with grade 8 bolts, this kit ensures that the bolts will not stretch when exposed to high temperatures, providing a secure and reliable connection. The duplex nickel finish not only gives the bolts a superior look but also enhances their corrosion resistance, ensuring long-lasting durability. The double hex head design includes a 3/16 inches recessed allen head, making installation quick and easy. Additionally, the bolts are removable and reusable, allowing for convenient maintenance. With the Stage 8 Locking Bolt Kit, you can visually inspect the bolts without the need to put a wrench on, saving you time and effort while ensuring the tightness of your exhaust header.
Stage 8 Locking Header Bolt Kit
The Stage 8 8912A Locking Header Bolt Kit with 1" Bolts is a high-performance exhaust header bolt kit that features Grade 8 bolts with a duplex nickel finish for superior corrosion resistance and a great look. The double hex head includes a 3/16 inches recessed allen head for easy installation, and the bolts are removable and reusable. The kit also allows for visual inspection without the need to put a wrench on to check tightness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What bolts are best for exhaust?
For exhaust flanges, the common options are 3-bolt or 2-bolt types. The recommended bolt sizes are M10 for 2-bolt and M8 for 3-bolt flanges. It is important to use bolts with a grade of 8.8 tensile strength or higher to ensure they can be tightened without stretching or breaking.
2. What grade are header bolts?
Header bolts are typically made of either black oxide chrome moly or Stainless 300. Both options have a nominal tensile strength of 170,000 psi, which is significantly stronger than Grade 8 hardware.
3. How long should header bolts be?
For headers with 1/4-inch or 5/16-inch thick flanges, bolts with a 3/4-inch UHL (Under Head Length) are typically used. Flanges that are 3/8-inch thick usually require bolts with a 1-inch UHL.
4. Should you put anything on exhaust manifold bolts?
When reusing exhaust manifold bolts, it is recommended to apply a metal fortified anti-seize to prevent seizing. However, it is best to use fresh OEM bolts for optimal results.
5. Is Grade 8 or 10.9 stronger?
Grade 8 bolts are generally considered to be stronger than 10.9 bolts. The strength of a bolt is determined by its material and mechanical properties, rather than just the grade number.
6. Are higher grade bolts stronger?
Yes, higher grade bolts generally have higher tensile strength and are therefore stronger. The common grades for metric bolts are 5.8, 8.8, 10.9, and 12.9, with each grade having a specific bolt strength.
7. What is the maximum span between bolts?
The maximum spacing between bolts for painted or unpainted members that are not prone to corrosion is 24 times the thickness of the thinner part, up to a maximum of 12 inches.
8. Should I use loctite on my exhaust manifold bolts?
Using a medium-strength thread locking compound, such as the blue Loctite 243, is recommended for exhaust manifold bolts. This helps prevent them from loosening over time.
9. Can you over tighten exhaust manifold bolts?
It is important not to over tighten the bolts where the exhaust mounts up to the engine. Over tightening can lead to damage or other issues.
During our performance exhaust header bolt research, we found 24 performance exhaust header bolt products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 6,866 customer reviews through our big data system to write the performance exhaust header bolts list. We found that most customers choose performance exhaust header bolts with an average price of $46.46.
The performance exhaust header bolts are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of performance exhaust header bolts, including Spectre, ARP, Mr. Gasket, Moroso, Stage 8. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Robert Reyes is a dedicated writer from San Francisco with a bachelor of degree in mechanics and a bachelor of degree in marketing. He focuses on making some complicated topics simple and enjoys explaining complex and technical things in an easy-to-understand way.