[Grommit]

Ok so the first major change I've decided to do was the headers + exhaust. Other than the fact that the sliders, rear bumper, and skid plates have already been ordered anyways, I'd rather get to the stuff deep inside the truck before I add on any of that external stuff. Especially the skid plates which would just have to come off if I were ever to do the headers and exhaust after the fact.

JBA headers just arrived and the catback setup from them has shipped as well, just not here yet. This is my first set of headers in all honesty. I've read up that people replace the gaskets (duh) but also the bolts for the headers. That makes sense in the sense that many times, the bolts are a different length than the stock original ones. I received no new bolts with the header kit, just a set of gaskets, which I believe to be bimetallic and not crush style, as I had hoped. The instructions say to reuse the stock manifold bolts.

As my truck is only about 3-4 months old and about 6000 miles on it, that should be ok to reuse the stock bolts correct? Provided they all come off cleanly. I have read other things where folks insist on replacing them all the same, for what reason I have no clue, but as mine are about brand new with the vehicle and the directions say reuse them, is this ok? I'm just not sure if I should go and order a new set from Nissan and waste that money.

Just looking for some info as once I get into this, I can't just run to the store to pick up something I may have forgotten to get.

 

[The other Sean]

I would reuse.

Most people have issues with header leaks because of poor design of a particular header flange construction (be wary of a raised weld bead sealing surface) and also they fail to retourque the bolts a time or two after running the engine a couple of times.

 

[Grommit]

Thanks. I assume I will have to get some gasket cleaner to clean the surface of the new header and the block where they mate up, as well as some sealer which would be applied to the metallic gasket. As I said I really am new to THIS particular kind of modification, my older truck being a tiny KA24DE which really never had any aftermarket parts like this made for it.