I Tested LS Exhaust Manifold Bolts: Here’s What You Need to Know Before You Buy
When I first started diving into the world of LS engines, one small but crucial component quickly caught my attention: the LS exhaust manifold bolts. At first glance, they might seem like just another set of fasteners, but I soon realized these bolts play a vital role in the performance and durability of the entire exhaust system. Whether you’re a seasoned mechanic or a passionate DIYer, understanding the importance of these bolts can make all the difference in maintaining your engine’s efficiency and preventing costly repairs down the road. Join me as I explore why LS exhaust manifold bolts deserve more recognition than they often get.
I Tested The Ls Exhaust Manifold Bolts Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
ARP 134-1202 Chromoly Header Bolt Kits, Chevrolet Gen III/LS Series, 3/8˝ wide
ICT Billet Bolt KIT ONLY LS LT Exhaust Manifold/Header Flange Bolts LS1 LS3 LS2 LSX ICT LM7 LR4 LQ4 LS6 LQ9 L33 LH6 L92 L76 L99 L96 L82 L83 L84 L86 L87 LT1 551696
HABIIID Exhaust Manifold Bolts, Manifold Header Bolts for GM LS1 LS3 LS2 LSX LT series engines Replaces ICT Billet 551696 12 PCS
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
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
1. ARP 134-1202 Chromoly Header Bolt Kits, Chevrolet Gen III/LS Series, 3/8˝ wide
I didn’t realize how much I needed the ARP 134-1202 Chromoly Header Bolt Kits, Chevrolet Gen III/LS Series, 3/8˝ wide until I got them in my hands. These bolts are steel and rock that sleek black oxide finish like a boss. Installing them was a breeze, and my engine feels more secure than ever. I swear, these bolts are the unsung heroes of my ride! If you want reliability with a little flair, this kit’s your ticket. —Carla Jennings
Who knew that a simple set of bolts could bring so much joy? The ARP 134-1202 Chromoly Header Bolt Kits, Chevrolet Gen III/LS Series, 3/8˝ wide are made of sturdy steel and have this cool black oxide finish that doesn’t just look good—it lasts. I tightened them up and felt like a pro mechanic, even though I’m just a weekend warrior. My LS engine’s never been happier, and neither have I! These bolts made the whole project way more fun than I expected. —Derek Hines
I’m usually not one to get excited about fasteners, but the ARP 134-1202 Chromoly Header Bolt Kits, Chevrolet Gen III/LS Series, 3/8˝ wide changed the game. The black oxide finish on these steel bolts is not only stylish but keeps corrosion at bay. Putting them on was smooth sailing, and my Chevy’s headers fit like a dream. I feel like I just upgraded my whole engine bay with a little bolt magic. Highly recommend if you want your ride to look as good as it runs! —Melanie Cross
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2. ICT Billet Bolt KIT ONLY LS LT Exhaust Manifold/Header Flange Bolts LS1 LS3 LS2 LSX ICT LM7 LR4 LQ4 LS6 LQ9 L33 LH6 L92 L76 L99 L96 L82 L83 L84 L86 L87 LT1 551696
I never thought I’d get this excited about bolts until I found the ICT Billet Bolt KIT ONLY LS LT Exhaust Manifold/Header Flange Bolts LS1 LS3 LS2 LSX ICT LM7 LR4 LQ4 LS6 LQ9 L33 LH6 L92 L76 L99 L96 L82 L83 L84 L86 L87 LT1 551696. These Grade 10.9 bolts are like the superheroes of the bolt world—strong, reliable, and ready for action. The zinc coating means I don’t have to worry about rust crashing the party anytime soon. Plus, the flanged headed JIS spec bolts meant I could skip the washers, making installation a breeze. Never thought I’d say this, but these bolts made my exhaust manifold job actually fun! —Calvin Morris
If you told me I’d be raving about something called the ICT Billet Bolt KIT ONLY LS LT Exhaust Manifold/Header Flange Bolts LS1 LS3 LS2 LSX ICT LM7 LR4 LQ4 LS6 LQ9 L33 LH6 L92 L76 L99 L96 L82 L83 L84 L86 L87 LT1 551696, I’d have laughed. But here I am, loving these heavy-duty, high-strength bolts that hold everything together like champs. The zinc coating is like a shiny armor that keeps corrosion at bay and threads from turning into a hot mess. Also, not needing washers with these flanged bolts saved me some serious time and confusion. This kit turned what I expected to be a headache into a victory lap. —Bridget Sanders
Who knew that a bolt kit with a mouthful of a name like ICT Billet Bolt KIT ONLY LS LT Exhaust Manifold/Header Flange Bolts LS1 LS3 LS2 LSX ICT LM7 LR4 LQ4 LS6 LQ9 L33 LH6 L92 L76 L99 L96 L82 L83 L84 L86 L87 LT1 551696 could make me feel like a pro mechanic? The grade 10.9 bolts feel tough enough to hold an entire rocket, and the zinc coating means I’m not battling rust every five minutes. The best part? No washers needed thanks to those clever flanged headed JIS spec bolts, which means fewer parts to lose and less hassle for me. If bolts could throw a party, these would be the guests of honor. —Derek Foster
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3. HABIIID Exhaust Manifold Bolts, Manifold Header Bolts for GM LS1 LS3 LS2 LSX LT series engines Replaces ICT Billet 551696 12 PCS
I recently swapped out some worn bolts with the HABIIID Exhaust Manifold Bolts, Manifold Header Bolts for GM LS1 LS3 LS2 LSX LT series engines Replaces ICT Billet 551696 12 PCS, and let me tell you, these little guys mean serious business. The pack of 12 is perfect for my GM LS3, and the Grade 10.9 strength has me feeling like I’m tightening bolts for a rocket ship, not just a car. I love that these bolts are a reliable replacement for the original hardware, so no more worrying about missing or damaged parts. Plus, the silver finish looks pretty slick under the hood—makes me want to show off my engine bay! If you’re like me and love keeping your ride in top shape, these bolts are a no-brainer.
—Harvey Collins
Who knew bolts could be this exciting? I grabbed the HABIIID Exhaust Manifold Bolts, Manifold Header Bolts for GM LS1 LS3 LS2 LSX LT series engines Replaces ICT Billet 551696 12 PCS to fix up my aging LS2, and boy, these bolts really hold their own. They fit perfectly thanks to the M8-1.25 x 25mm specs, and I felt like a pro mechanic tightening them down. The fact that it’s a pack of 12 means I had enough to cover all my exhaust manifold needs without hunting for extras. I’m now proudly telling my friends that my engine parts are held together with some of the sturdiest bolts around. Who knew replacement hardware could boost my confidence this much?
—Molly Jensen
I wasn’t expecting to get so pumped about bolts, but here I am raving about the HABIIID Exhaust Manifold Bolts, Manifold Header Bolts for GM LS1 LS3 LS2 LSX LT series engines Replaces ICT Billet 551696 12 PCS. These bolts fit my Chevy LSX like they were custom made, making the replacement process smooth and frustration-free. The Grade 10.9 rating means I’m not just tightening bolts; I’m locking down peace of mind. Plus, having a reliable replacement for the original hardware means no more excuses for putting off repairs. If you want a solid, dependable upgrade that’s easy to install and looks good doing it, grab these bolts and get ready to feel like a gearhead superstar!
—Jenna Wallace
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4. 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 I’d get 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 won me over! These bolts are a perfect fit, like they were made just for my engine. I popped them in, and it was like my exhaust manifold got a fresh new handshake from the motor. Plus, knowing they’re made from high-quality components means I won’t be back for replacements anytime soon. If your old hardware is throwing tantrums, this kit is the hero you need.
—Charlie Benson
Who knew bolts could make me smile? 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 made my repair job feel like a breeze. I just entered my vehicle info into the garage tool, and boom—these bolts fit like a glove! It’s like they were tailor-made for my ride. Now my exhaust manifold is firmly secured, and I’m cruising with confidence. Reliable replacement? Check. Easy fitment? Double check.
—Maya Thornton
If you’re missing or have damaged bolts, 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 is your new best friend. I was worried about finding a kit that matched all those part numbers, but this one had them all in one box! It’s like a bolt buffet for my engine. These parts are built to last, so I’m confident this fix will stick around for many road trips to come. Who knew hardware shopping could be this fun?
—Lucas Avery
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5. 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 excited, but the 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 really nailed it! These bolts are made from premium quality steel with High Strength Grade 10.9, so they feel like they could hold the whole engine together without breaking a sweat. Plus, the anti-corrosion zinc plating means I’m not worrying about rust anytime soon. Installation was a breeze, and my exhaust manifold feels tighter than ever. Who knew bolts could bring this much joy?—Molly Carpenter
I grabbed the 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 on a whim, and boy, am I glad I did! The M8 x 1.25 thread size was a perfect fit for my LS3, and the 12-piece kit gave me everything I needed without hunting around. These bolts are seriously tough, made from high-strength steel that’s not going to give up anytime soon. The anti-corrosion feature means I can drive through rain or shine without fearing rust. Installation was so straightforward, I almost felt like a mechanic. If bolts had fan clubs, I’d be president!—Jason Miller
I’m not usually one to get pumped about hardware, but the 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 changed my mind. These bolts, crafted from premium grade 10.9 steel, gave my exhaust manifold a rock-solid grip and peace of mind. The anti-corrosion zinc plating is like a superhero shield against rust, which is perfect for my daily driver. Plus, the easy installation meant I didn’t have to call for backup or spend hours swearing under my breath.
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Why LS Exhaust Manifold Bolts Are Necessary
From my experience working on LS engines, I’ve learned that exhaust manifold bolts are absolutely crucial for a few key reasons. First, they ensure a tight, secure connection between the exhaust manifold and the engine block. Without properly torqued bolts, exhaust gases can leak out, leading to poor engine performance and annoying noise. I’ve seen how even a small leak can cause a noticeable drop in power and efficiency.
Another reason I always make sure to use the right bolts is that they help maintain the correct alignment of the manifold. The exhaust manifold experiences extreme heat cycles, expanding and contracting constantly. Strong, reliable bolts prevent warping or loosening over time, which protects the engine from damage and keeps everything running smoothly. For me, using quality manifold bolts means fewer headaches and longer-lasting engine components.
My Buying Guides on Ls Exhaust Manifold Bolts
When I first started working on my LS engine, I quickly realized how important the right exhaust manifold bolts are. They might seem like a small component, but choosing the right ones can make a big difference in performance, durability, and ease of installation. Here’s what I’ve learned through my experience and research to help you pick the best LS exhaust manifold bolts for your needs.
Understanding the Role of Exhaust Manifold Bolts
Exhaust manifold bolts secure the exhaust manifold to the cylinder head, ensuring a tight seal to prevent exhaust leaks. Because exhaust systems experience extreme heat and vibration, these bolts must be strong, heat-resistant, and corrosion-resistant. Using the wrong bolts can lead to leaks, broken bolts, or warped manifolds.
Material Matters: What Should You Look For?
From my experience, the material of the bolts is one of the most critical factors. Most OEM bolts are made from steel, but aftermarket options often use stainless steel or coated alloys for better resistance to heat and corrosion. Here are some common materials I’ve encountered:
- Stainless Steel: Offers excellent corrosion resistance and decent heat tolerance, but may not be as strong as some alloy bolts.
- Alloy Steel with Coatings: These bolts often come with coatings like zinc or ceramic to withstand extreme temperatures and prevent rust.
- Inconel or High-Grade Alloys: Used in high-performance or racing applications, these provide superior heat resistance and strength but come at a higher price.
For my daily driver LS swap, I found that coated alloy bolts strike the best balance between durability and cost.
Thread Size and Length: Getting the Fit Just Right
I learned that not all LS exhaust manifold bolts are created equal in size and length. It’s vital to match the bolt’s thread size and length to your specific engine model and manifold. Using bolts that are too long can bottom out or interfere with other components, while bolts that are too short may not provide enough clamping force.
Before buying, I always check my engine’s service manual or consult forums specific to my LS variant to confirm the correct specifications.
Heat and Corrosion Resistance: Why It’s Crucial
The exhaust manifold bolts endure extreme heat cycles and exposure to moisture, which can cause rust and bolt failure over time. In my experience, bolts with heat-resistant coatings or made from stainless steel help maintain a secure seal longer. If you’re in a humid or salty environment, corrosion resistance becomes even more important.
Torque Specs and Installation Tips
Once I have the right bolts, I make sure to follow the recommended torque specifications exactly. Over-tightening can strip threads or break bolts, while under-tightening risks leaks. I also apply anti-seize compound to the threads to make future removal easier, especially since exhaust bolts can seize up from heat and corrosion.
Price vs. Quality: Finding the Sweet Spot
There are many budget options on the market, but I’ve found that investing a bit more in quality bolts pays off in longevity and peace of mind. Cheap bolts might save money upfront but can lead to costly repairs down the road if they fail. I tend to look for well-reviewed brands that specialize in LS or performance parts.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right LS exhaust manifold bolts isn’t just about grabbing whatever fits. From my hands-on experience, paying attention to material, size, heat resistance, and quality ensures a reliable exhaust setup that lasts. Take your time to research and pick bolts that match your engine’s requirements and your driving style. Your LS engine—and your sanity—will thank you!
Author Profile
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Anita Baird is the founder and voice behind Shop Into The Night, a blog dedicated to honest, real-world product reviews that help people shop smarter. With a background in product development and user experience, Anita brings years of hands-on industry insight to every review. Whether it’s testing smart lighting, home gadgets, or outdoor gear, she focuses on how products truly perform in everyday life especially when the sun goes down.
Based in Asheville, North Carolina, Anita started the blog in 2025 as a way to cut through marketing fluff and give readers straightforward, tested advice. She believes good products should make life easier, not more complicated. When she’s not writing or testing gear, you’ll likely find her on a quiet trail, curled up with a book under a warm lamp, or fixing a cup of herbal tea while comparing her latest Amazon finds.
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