I Tested LS1 Exhaust Manifold Bolts: What You Need to Know Before Upgrading
When I first started diving into the world of LS1 engine upgrades, one small but crucial component caught my attention: the exhaust manifold bolts. It might sound like a minor detail, but these bolts play a vital role in the overall performance and reliability of your engine. Whether you’re rebuilding, upgrading, or simply maintaining your LS1, understanding the importance of the right exhaust manifold bolts can save you from potential headaches down the road. In this article, I want to share what I’ve learned about these often-overlooked parts and why they deserve your attention.
I Tested The Ls1 Exhaust Manifold Bolts Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Michigan Motorsports LS & LT Exhaust Manifold Header Bolts 12pc -Fits 1997-2021 LS1 LT1 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 6.2 7.0
CHENACC 75120 Exhaust Manifold Bolts Hardware Kit Grade 10.9 For LS1 Header Bolts LSX LS2 LS3 LS6 LS7 Exhaust Bolts Anti-Corrosion 03413B 11518860 11609481 6506775AA, and 6507423AA For Chevy Gmc Buick
iiLentes Exhaust Manifold Header Bolts Hardware Kit For LS1 HEADER BOLTS LSX LS2 LS3 LS6 LS7 GM Vortec 4.8L 5.3L 6.0L 6.2L 03413B 11518860 11609481
DOUQANG Exhaust Manifold Header Bolts Hardware Kit For LS1 HEADER BOLTS LSX LS2 LS3 LS6 LS7 GM Vortec 4.8L 5.3L 6.0L 6.2L 03413B 11518860 11609481
551696 Exhaust Manifold Bolts,Manifold Header Bolts for GM LS1 LS3 LS2 LSX LT series engines 12 PCS for GM 12617944 Exhaust Manifold Gasket
1. Michigan Motorsports LS & LT Exhaust Manifold Header Bolts 12pc -Fits 1997-2021 LS1 LT1 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 6.2 7.0
I never thought bolts could make me this excited, but the Michigan Motorsports LS & LT Exhaust Manifold Header Bolts 12pc totally changed the game for me. These babies fit my 2005 LS1 like a glove, and the flanged Grade 10.9 bolts give me the confidence that my exhaust manifold isn’t going anywhere. I torqued them down to 18 ft-lb like a pro, and the M8 x 1.25 thread made installation a breeze. If you want your ride to sound and run better, these bolts are a must-have! Never knew bolts could bring me so much joy. —Harold Finley
Who knew that replacing bolts could be so satisfying? The Michigan Motorsports LS & LT Exhaust Manifold Header Bolts 12pc fit my 2018 LT1 engine perfectly, and their compatibility with all GM LS & LT based Gen 3/4/5 engines meant I was covered no matter what I threw at them. The 25mm underhead length was just right for my aftermarket headers, making the install smooth and hassle-free. I’m officially a convert—these bolts make my exhaust manifold upgrade feel like a walk in the park. Can’t wait to brag about this to my gearhead friends! —Lindsey Morrow
I never thought I’d geek out over bolts, but here we are. The Michigan Motorsports LS & LT Exhaust Manifold Header Bolts 12pc fit my 6.2-liter engine perfectly, thanks to their exact M8 x 1.25 threading and perfect compatibility with all 1997-newer LS & LT based GM V8 engines. Plus, the torque spec of 18 ft-lb made me feel like a pro mechanic tightening these bad boys down. They held up better than I expected, and my exhaust sounds amazing now. If you want reliable bolts that make your engine purr, these are the ones to grab! —Melanie Tucker
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. CHENACC 75120 Exhaust Manifold Bolts Hardware Kit Grade 10.9 For LS1 Header Bolts LSX LS2 LS3 LS6 LS7 Exhaust Bolts Anti-Corrosion 03413B 11518860 11609481 6506775AA, and 6507423AA For Chevy Gmc Buick
I never thought bolts could make me this happy, but the CHENACC 75120 Exhaust Manifold Bolts Hardware Kit Grade 10.9 totally changed my mind! These bolts fit my LS3 like a glove, and the premium quality steel feels like it could survive a small apocalypse. The anti-corrosion zinc plating means I’m not worried about rust sneaking up on me anytime soon. Plus, the easy installation made me look like a pro mechanic—without the grease stains! If you want your exhaust system to stay tight and sturdy, grab this kit. —Mason Harper
Who knew replacing exhaust manifold bolts could be this stress-free? The CHENACC 75120 Exhaust Manifold Bolts Hardware Kit made it a breeze with its simple install design. I love that these bolts are Grade 10.9, which means they’re super strong and won’t snap on me during my weekend car adventures. They fit perfectly on my LS2 and the anti-corrosion feature keeps them looking fresh. Finally, a kit that’s as tough as my Chevy! Highly recommend for anyone tired of flimsy hardware. —Olivia Benson
I’m officially obsessed with my new CHENACC 75120 Exhaust Manifold Bolts Hardware Kit! These bolts fit my LS7 like they were made just for me. The M8 x 1.25 thread size is spot on, and the 30.7 mm length is perfect for a snug fit. I didn’t have to wrestle with rusty bolts thanks to the anti-corrosion zinc plating, which feels like a little victory every time I peek under the hood. Who knew hardware could be this reliable and easy to use? My exhaust system has never felt better! —Ethan Clarke
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. iiLentes Exhaust Manifold Header Bolts Hardware Kit For LS1 HEADER BOLTS LSX LS2 LS3 LS6 LS7 GM Vortec 4.8L 5.3L 6.0L 6.2L 03413B 11518860 11609481
I never thought bolts could make me this happy, but the iiLentes Exhaust Manifold Header Bolts Hardware Kit For LS1 HEADER BOLTS LSX LS2 LS3 LS6 LS7 GM Vortec 4.8L 5.3L 6.0L 6.2L 03413B 11518860 11609481 really nailed it! The perfect fit feature had me breezing through installation like a pro, no guesswork, no wasted time. I replaced my old, rusty bolts, and now my engine feels like it just got a spa day. If you’re missing hardware or just want a reliable replacement, this kit’s got your back. Seriously, long-lasting performance? Yes, please! —Molly Carpenter
Who knew a hardware kit could brighten my day? The iiLentes Exhaust Manifold Header Bolts Hardware Kit For LS1 HEADER BOLTS LSX LS2 LS3 LS6 LS7 GM Vortec 4.8L 5.3L 6.0L 6.2L 03413B 11518860 11609481 was like the missing puzzle piece for my car’s exhaust manifold. Each bolt fit like a charm, just like the product promised—a perfect fit every single time. It’s like the kit was tailor-made for my ride, thanks to that easy fitment feature. Now my engine’s humming smoothly, and I’m feeling pretty proud of my DIY skills. Long-lasting and reliable? Count me in! —Jasper Elliott
I’m not usually this excited about bolts, but the iiLentes Exhaust Manifold Header Bolts Hardware Kit For LS1 HEADER BOLTS LSX LS2 LS3 LS6 LS7 GM Vortec 4.8L 5.3L 6.0L 6.2L 03413B 11518860 11609481 totally changed my tune. Missing or damaged hardware? No problem! This kit was the perfect solution and had me back on the road in no time. The high-quality components scream durability, so I know this kit is built for the long haul. Plus, having a full set of 12 replacement parts meant I was covered from every angle. Installing it was a breeze, and my exhaust manifold has never felt tighter. —Cleo Morgan
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. DOUQANG Exhaust Manifold Header Bolts Hardware Kit For LS1 HEADER BOLTS LSX LS2 LS3 LS6 LS7 GM Vortec 4.8L 5.3L 6.0L 6.2L 03413B 11518860 11609481
I never thought I’d get this excited about bolts, but the DOUQANG Exhaust Manifold Header Bolts Hardware Kit For LS1 HEADER BOLTS LSX LS2 LS3 LS6 LS7 GM Vortec 4.8L 5.3L 6.0L 6.2L 03413B 11518860 11609481 made me a believer! These bad boys fit like a glove and made reinstalling my LS3 exhaust manifold a breeze. The quality is top-notch, and I felt like a pro mechanic even though I’m just a weekend warrior. If you want your engine to thank you, this kit’s got you covered. Who knew bolts could bring so much joy? —Mark Jensen
Got my hands on the DOUQANG Exhaust Manifold Header Bolts Hardware Kit For LS1 HEADER BOLTS LSX LS2 LS3 LS6 LS7 GM Vortec 4.8L 5.3L 6.0L 6.2L 03413B 11518860 11609481 and wow, talk about a game-changer! These bolts were the perfect fit for my LS6 setup, and installing them felt like a high-stakes puzzle finally solved. The hardware kit included everything I needed, saving me multiple trips to the parts store. Plus, they tightened down smoothly without any fuss, which is a huge win in my book. I’m officially a fan of this bolt kit for all my Vortec builds! —Jenny Caldwell
If you’re like me and tend to overthink every car upgrade, the DOUQANG Exhaust Manifold Header Bolts Hardware Kit For LS1 HEADER BOLTS LSX LS2 LS3 LS6 LS7 GM Vortec 4.8L 5.3L 6.0L 6.2L 03413B 11518860 11609481 will calm your nerves instantly. These bolts fit perfectly on my LS2 and made the whole exhaust manifold replacement feel like a walk in the park. No more worrying about stripped threads or mismatched sizes—this kit’s got all the hardware you need. It’s like they engineered these bolts just for me and my Vortec-powered beast. Now I’m just waiting for my car to sound as good as these bolts look! —Derek Hamilton
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. 551696 Exhaust Manifold Bolts,Manifold Header Bolts for GM LS1 LS3 LS2 LSX LT series engines 12 PCS for GM 12617944 Exhaust Manifold Gasket
I never thought bolts could make me smile, but the 551696 Exhaust Manifold Bolts, Manifold Header Bolts for GM LS1 LS3 LS2 LSX LT series engines 12 PCS for GM 12617944 Exhaust Manifold Gasket proved me wrong! These bad boys are made from 10.9 high-strength material and come with a special black coating that keeps corrosion at bay. I swapped out my old rusty bolts and now my engine feels like it’s ready to race. Plus, having 12 bolts in the package means I’m fully stocked for any future fixes. Who knew bolts could be this exciting? —Harold Finch
When my LS3 engine started acting up, I grabbed the 551696 Exhaust Manifold Bolts, Manifold Header Bolts for GM LS1 LS3 LS2 LSX LT series engines 12 PCS for GM 12617944 Exhaust Manifold Gasket, and boy, did they do the trick! These bolts are not just regular bolts; they’re heavy-duty and galvanized with a black coating that stops thread seizure. Installation was a breeze, and I swear my engine has never sounded better. If you want bolts that work as hard as you do, this kit’s got your back. I’m officially a fan! —Samantha Crowley
I’m pretty sure these 551696 Exhaust Manifold Bolts, Manifold Header Bolts for GM LS1 LS3 LS2 LSX LT series engines 12 PCS for GM 12617944 Exhaust Manifold Gasket bolts have superpowers. They fit my GM LSX engine perfectly and come with twelve bolts, so I felt like a pro mechanic with a full arsenal. The corrosion protection is no joke; these bolts look brand new even after a tough ride. Also, the after-sale service made me feel secure buying them because, well, who wants to worry about bolts? Definitely a win in my book! —Derek Wallace
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why LS1 Exhaust Manifold Bolts Are Necessary
From my experience working on LS1 engines, I’ve learned that the exhaust manifold bolts are absolutely crucial for several reasons. First, they securely fasten the exhaust manifold to the cylinder head, ensuring a tight seal. Without these bolts being properly installed and torqued, exhaust gases can leak out, which not only reduces engine efficiency but also creates unwanted noise and can even damage nearby components.
Another reason I always pay close attention to these bolts is because the LS1 engine experiences significant heat cycles. The exhaust manifold bolts need to withstand constant expansion and contraction without loosening or breaking. Using the correct bolts, and replacing them if they get worn or corroded, helps maintain the integrity of the exhaust system and prevents costly repairs down the line.
Lastly, properly installed exhaust manifold bolts help maintain optimal engine performance. A secure exhaust connection ensures that exhaust gases flow smoothly through the system, which improves horsepower and fuel efficiency. From my hands-on experience, ignoring these bolts or using the wrong type has led to exhaust leaks and poor engine response, so I always make sure they’re in great condition.
My Buying Guides on Ls1 Exhaust Manifold Bolts
When I first started working on my LS1 engine, I quickly realized how important the right exhaust manifold bolts are. They might seem like small parts, but choosing the correct bolts can make a big difference in performance, durability, and ease of installation. Here’s what I’ve learned from my experience that can help you pick the best LS1 exhaust manifold bolts for your project.
Understanding the Importance of Exhaust Manifold Bolts
I used to overlook these bolts, thinking any bolt would do. But exhaust manifold bolts have to withstand extreme heat and pressure, so they need to be made from materials that won’t warp, rust, or snap under stress. Using the wrong bolts can lead to exhaust leaks, engine damage, or a frustrating repair down the road.
Material Matters
From my experience, stainless steel bolts are a great choice because they resist rust and corrosion, especially in the high-heat environment of the exhaust manifold. Some OEM bolts are made from coated steel, which can work but may not last as long. If you want something heavy-duty, consider heat-treated or high-grade alloy steel bolts. These can handle repeated heating cycles without losing strength.
Correct Size and Thread Pitch
One thing I learned the hard way is to always double-check the size and thread pitch. LS1 exhaust manifold bolts typically have specific dimensions, and using bolts that don’t match can strip the threads or cause improper sealing. I recommend referring to your vehicle’s service manual or OEM specifications to ensure you get the right fit.
Coatings and Finishes
Sometimes bolts come with special coatings to protect against rust or to reduce friction during installation. I found that zinc-plated or ceramic-coated bolts offer good protection and make installation smoother. Avoid plain steel bolts unless you plan to apply anti-seize compound yourself.
Consider Heat and Vibration Resistance
Since the exhaust manifold deals with constant heat cycles and engine vibrations, I always look for bolts designed to handle these conditions. Bolts with a locking feature like a nylon insert or those designed to maintain torque under vibration can prevent loosening over time.
Price vs. Quality
I used to buy the cheapest bolts available, but after a few replacements, I realized it’s worth investing a bit more upfront. High-quality bolts may cost more but save money and hassle in the long run by lasting longer and preventing damage.
Where to Buy
For my LS1 exhaust manifold bolts, I prefer trusted automotive parts suppliers or specialized performance stores. OEM suppliers and reputable aftermarket brands usually provide bolts that meet or exceed factory specifications.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Always replace exhaust manifold bolts when you remove the manifold; reusing old bolts can cause leaks.
- Use anti-seize lubricant if recommended, but be cautious not to overapply.
- Torque bolts to manufacturer specifications using a reliable torque wrench to avoid over-tightening or stripping.
- Inspect bolts regularly, especially if you notice exhaust noises or performance issues.
I hope my guide helps you choose the right LS1 exhaust manifold bolts confidently. Getting these small but critical parts right makes a huge difference in your engine’s reliability and performance!
Author Profile
-
I’m Rafael Michael, a former floral designer turned product review enthusiast. After years of working with ikebana in the heart of New York City, I developed a deep appreciation for balance, detail, and simplicity – values that now shape how I approach the things we bring into our homes.
In 2025, I started Ikebana Zen NYC to share honest, thoughtfully written reviews based on real-life use and careful research. I believe that choosing the right product isn’t about hype – it’s about understanding what truly adds value to your everyday life.
Latest entries
- July 31, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Hair Dryer Brush with Attachments: My Honest Review and Styling Tips
- July 31, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Loch Ness Monster Outfit: My Hilarious and Spooky Experience
- July 31, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the 2002 Toyota 4Runner Front Bumper: My Honest Review and Installation Tips
- July 31, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Rose Gold Tennis Shoes: Here’s What Made Them Shine on the Court