Stock exhaust manifold studs are M7x1 -- rather uncommon in carbon steel, impossible to find in stainless steel. Those same holes will tap extremely easily to 5/16x24 (24 TPI is almost identical to 1mm pitch) -- very common in stainless. Tap will thread in as easily as a bolt, which is useful for the studs on cylinders 1 and 4 hidden behind the crossmember. Replacing carbon studs with stainless steel would make future removal problem free. Don't forget the studs that hold the manifolds to the crossover pipe (M10x1.5 -- also common in stainless). Bill Robertson #5939 >--- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, "D F" <funkstuf@xxxx> wrote: > Just a note: > One problem with these things is that the studs holding the exhaust manifold > are pretty small and often rust. My car was purchased and started much like > yours, with a roaring exhaust leak. > Anyway, the bottom line was that I had to take my heads off to get the > exhaust manifold studs out. This is just a suggestion. It is not a bad > idea to replace the old studs with larger sturdier studs. I realize some > people won't like that idea, but, it might make them easier to get off next > time. That's what I did. > Sincereley, > Dale Funk > 4984 > > [Moderator snip] To address comments privately to the moderating team, please address: moderators@xxxxxxxxxxx For more info on the list, tech articles, cars for sale see www.dmcnews.com To search the archives or view files, log in at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: dmcnews-unsubscribe@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/