stainless bolts for exhaust manifold?

will i have any issues using stainless bolts for my exhaust manifolds on my 348 chevy? a buddy says not to use them he says they won't stay tight. something about expansion rates?
thanks

 

I have been using them for a few decades. No problems with them staying tight. Maybe I'm doing it wrong.

 

You should check, and (possibly) re-tighten them after a few hot/cold cycles. But you'd have to do that with any kind of bolt. Listen to Gimpy.
Oh yeah... use a little anti-seize, too.

 

Definately

 

Me too!!

 

Yeah, that too. It is such a regular part of my routine, that I forget to mention it.

 

thanks guys, stainless bolts installed.

 

Stainless has a higher "thermal expansion rate" than steel. Basically that means that as the steel manifold and stainless bolts heats up, the manifold to head gasket loading decreases due to using stainless bolts.

It's hard to argue though with folks that have actually used stainless bolts with success.

Sometimes the laws of physics don't amount to shit if they are trumped by actual experience

 

Throw a lock washer under them and motor on. I see no problem using them.

Bob

 

I've used them for around the last 40 years, never been a problem for me.
ARP make and sell stainless header bolts, I guess they dont know

 

works fine if you use some coppergrease on the bolts and retighten frequently...



Mario