Cant retap header bolts?

[LoW96Rs03]

I have a new gasket for my header and I asked a local shop around here if they were able to retap the header bolts because I have about 3-4 that are stripped. They said it would be too hard because It would be retapping into aluminum and they dont want to risk cracking the block. Is this true? I need it retapped really bad and the exhaust leak is horrible, but if its that much of a PITA, im ready to junk the 420A...is this shop full of themselves or what?

 

[LoW96Rs03]

also they said I would have to buy a brand new header because the one I had was probably warped?

 

[Black Majik]

Take it somewhere else, any good shop can retap those without an issue. I do it all the time.

 

[JayRolla]

They are wrong it can be done, but you could run into a problem. Even good shops can crack a aluminum head. My mechanic does not do it anymore unless you agree that it may ruin the head. Sometimes they will crack and sometimes they wont. Its risky but it can be done.