AFE SHORTY headers

[JTD]

Looking for experiences and advice. Thanks

 

[397STROKER]

I have them. No complaints. Not sure if they help anything other than I won't have the manifold crack issue. they are a pain to install. Had to cut a slot where one of the bolts goes so I could have the bolt already in the head as there was no way to put it in past the pipe, but this did aid in holding the back side of the header while I got a bolt started in the front. Some of the bolts are hard to get to. They come with felpro gaskets that look the same as what came off the truck and the bolts are fine to use, just lock tight them. I got a good deal on mine is why I got them.

 

[JTD]

I have them. No complaints. Not sure if they help anything other than I won't have the manifold crack issue. they are a pain to install. Had to cut a slot where one of the bolts goes so I could have the bolt already in the head as there was no way to put it in past the pipe, but this did aid in holding the back side of the header while I got a bolt started in the front. Some of the bolts are hard to get to. They come with felpro gaskets that look the same as what came off the truck and the bolts are fine to use, just lock tight them. I got a good deal on mine is why I got them.

Thank you! I’m looking to be proactive with the manifold cracking

 

[JOzzz]

I have them. No complaints. Not sure if they help anything other than I won't have the manifold crack issue. they are a pain to install. Had to cut a slot where one of the bolts goes so I could have the bolt already in the head as there was no way to put it in past the pipe, but this did aid in holding the back side of the header while I got a bolt started in the front. Some of the bolts are hard to get to. They come with felpro gaskets that look the same as what came off the truck and the bolts are fine to use, just lock tight them. I got a good deal on mine is why I got them.

Do you by chance remember which one you had to slot? I’m putting them on today. Thanks in advance.


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[397STROKER]

I believe it was the bottom bolt 2nd from the back. It is easy to figure out. the hole is located directly behind the pipe and I don't think you can get a bolt in the hole even when the header is off.

 

[WXman]

Does the OE midpipe bolt directly onto these headers, or do these headers require further aftermarket parts downstream?

 

[397STROKER]

Nothing else required. Bolts directly to stock exhaust.

 

[Scram1500]

Were you able to reuse the heat shielding?

 

[397STROKER]

No, the heat shield does not fit over the headers.

 

[WXman]

Were you able to reuse the heat shielding?

No, the heat shield does not fit over the headers.

I suppose a guy could wrap them in that fancy exhaust heat wrap prior to bolting them on. There are two schools of thought on that though...some folks think the wrap holds moisture and that's bad.

 

[OCD Solutions]

I was just looking at the BBK headers and they specifically say that the warranty is voided if any type of wrap is applied.
IMPORTANT WARRANTY INFORMATION:
Installing ANY type of header wrap will VOID your BBK Warranty


I'm a huge fan of ceramic coatings myself. No wraps needed.

 

[vincentw56]

I've had headers before on a vehicle a long time ago. What do you do to keep them from coming loose? That's always a big concern. Do you use thread locker or something else.

 

[HSKR R/T]

I've had headers before on a vehicle a long time ago. What do you do to keep them from coming loose? That's always a big concern. Do you use thread locker or something else.

You have to check torque every few days after initial install as the heat cycles seat the gasket. They should get to a point you don't have to recheck. On my Dakota, it took about three months before they stayed torqued. They also make locking header bolts

 

[vincentw56]

You have to check torque every few days after initial install as the heat cycles seat the gasket. They should get to a point you don't have to recheck. On my Dakota, it took about three months before they stayed torqued. They also make locking header bolts

The locking bolts are what I used in the past and they worked really well.