It has been my experience that you do not need anti-seize when using stainless bolts with regular steel or cast iron. I have built two cars with stainless bolts on the engine (and on the rest of the car) and the only time I had a seizing problem is when I had a stainless bolt and a stainless nut. I had regular stainless bolts for the exhaust manifolds on a 302 and never had a problem in the ten years or so I had them in there.



Just remember, regular stainless bolts are not much better than grade 3. For high torque situations, get the ones that have a grade 8 rating. Totally Stainless and ARP have these.

54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

Caterpillar #154-1288 

Its 12 oz. of high temperature anti-seize compound. Its rated as good to 1800° F. Used for exhaust system and turbo studs...

There must be "common man's" equivalent at the auto parts outlets.  

 
 Steve Metzger       Tucson, Arizona

Some anti seize is rated to pretty high temperatures. You will want high strength stainless bolts for the exhaust. Hardware store stainless probably won't cut it. ARP has some good ones for headers. I think the small block is the same thread size - I believe that is what I got. 2 bolts will be left over. Might be a little more tricky if you're using manifolds.


Lawrenceville, GA

I understand when using stainless steel bolts, anti seizing compound is required. My question is whether or not to use this application in engine parts (intake and exhaust manifolds) which get extremely hot. I would consider the possibility of heat compromising the anti seizing compound and causing complications removing these bolts.

Darrell Howard Outlaw56

Whitefish, MT

Darrell Howard Whitefish, MT Outlaw 56 Ford F-100's