250 cid chevy tech question

[Dan]

I have a 250 cid I6 with hedman headers and a severe exhaust leak. The very front and very back mounting holes have what look like dowel pins instead of bolts, are these correct? Should they be bolts? A small flame pops out the rear where the header meets the head when you get off the gas and driving creates a horrible exhaust leak sound. Never had a 250 before so dont know if there is supposed to dowels or bolts in those locations??? Thanks-

[Ayers Garage]

They're supposed to be dowels, stock.

Seems like I read somewhere, maybe Santucci's 6 cylinder book, about pulling the dowels out and tapping it for studs to alleviate the problem you're having. I'm sure your headers are much thinner and more prone to warping than that original cast iron manifold.

[Dan]

I've seen Santuccis book advertised since I've been working with this 6, is it any good? Worth buying? I wonder if anyone has any other tricks for sealing up the headers?? Thanks for the help-

[Ayers Garage]

Yes, the book is great. It's a must have for a 6 cylinder guy.

[Jack Daniel]

I wholeheartedly agree with hillbilly. He turned me on to that book, and it is amazing. There's so much freakin detail about the sixes, that it's hard to believe.