aluminum head threads

[CP86SVO]

Hello!

Opinions please...

On the Esslinger Aluminum D-Port head, would you Heli-coil/Timesert the exhaust manifold bolt holes? If so, should any other threads be done?

I'm worried that with the weight of the exhaust manifold, turbo, etc., and a couple of re & re's that the threads would pull out of the head.

TIA WS

[1HOT4OT]

I heli-coiled all the exhaust,intake and water neck outlet holes on my arca head...at 3 bucks a piece it was cheap insurance.

Tim

[CP86SVO]

Tim & Mike,

Thanks for your responses. I asked a newly graduated Mechanical Engineer this question as well. He has no motorsport experience, but he said not to worry about the threads; just coat the bolts with high temperature antiseize and torque to spec...as long as the bolt is in proper tension, the aluminum should be more than strong enough for the job. I just had to get opinions from people in the field.

This leads to the next question. What torque should be put on the exhaust manifold bolts? I'm using Bob's Log header and his supplied metric torx bolts.
Would 16-23 ft.lb final torque (as for a cast iron head) be proper for the Esslinger D-Port head?

TIA WS

[1HOT4OT]

Mike every one of those holes could be heli-coiled..it would be a simple job for a good machine shop.I not trying to be a butt,but there is plenty of room to get it done if need be in the future....also pretty sneaky of you to paint the head grey....it should be quite a sleeper.

Tim

[Pat_in_L.A.]

With a trained eye, it's obvious.

My eyes aren't what they used to be. I'll just use a magnet and be able to tell.

[Pat_in_L.A.]

Now where I can get something iron plated?

I have the metal spray oxy acetylene package. It worked well on hiding aluminum rotors from inquisitive eyes.