My retired mechanic buddy says I should use studs for the exhaust manifold rather than bolts. John Mummert also thinks its not a bad idea. Anyone else using them? Coarse or fine threads on the end with the nut? Brass or steel nuts? Its a given to use anti seize on everything.

I use studs for the thermostat housing  in all my aluminum intake manifolds.  Less change of stripping and easier to attach the housing.

Just look for enough clearance to get the manifolds into place.


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

I use studs where ever I can especially in aluminum. I reason it this way. The turning force is now on the threads of the steel stud to the steel nut. If a cap screw is used the turning force is steel to aluminum. I also like the stud to have a shoulder where it is touching the headers or cast manifold. I may need to use some trimming on the studs to get them the depth I like. I like Silver Goop on the threads too. In this area you don't need nutserts but when I am mounting rocker arm stands I use them especially if I'm installing higher valve spring pressure. I guess it's all in what I call finding something I can fix before it breaks.

56 Vic, B'Ville 200 MPH Club Member, So Cal.

Brass nuts or stronger silicone bronze nuts, would normally be a good idea.. but there may be a tendency for the bronze alloy to react with aluminum. Check that possibility out first...  After thought, stainless washers might avoid a possible reaction?  


Paul

The nuts wont contact the head as they will come up against the headers or manifolds. My thoughts are stainless studs would be the go.
 Don't use any anti seize containing copper, probably wont react with stainless but you will get electrolysis with steel and it will eat away the aluminium.

Just to add. Be careful about using plated bolts or studs as they may cause electrolysis also.