ARP Exhaust manifold stud question
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 127
Likes: 6
ARP Exhaust manifold stud question
I Remember reading somewhere that you can't get LT headers on the car with studs installed. Something about not enough clearance in the back of the head. I can't find that thread anywhere though. Can anyone confirm or debunk this?
I'm wondering if I should use bolts on the back side, because I want to make it so I can remove the headers if I need to, easily.
I'm guessing if the motor is jacked up its not a problem, but if the trans is installed I don't know if I can jack the motor as high as it is now.
I'm wondering if I should use bolts on the back side, because I want to make it so I can remove the headers if I need to, easily.
I'm guessing if the motor is jacked up its not a problem, but if the trans is installed I don't know if I can jack the motor as high as it is now.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 5,278
Likes: 539
From: Kelowna BC
IMO studs can make for a difficult install and removal. The only benefit I can imagine is once you get the header past the studs it'd be marginally easier to hang it there. Headers don't generally slide in perfectly horizontal either.
Nothing wrong with the factory bolts...
Nothing wrong with the factory bolts...
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 127
Likes: 6
My issue with factory bolts is that I'm terrified every time I touch one it will snap off in the head.
I should mention I already have the arp studs, just waiting on the headers to come in. I'm wanting to know if I should install them all now.
I should mention I already have the arp studs, just waiting on the headers to come in. I'm wanting to know if I should install them all now.
Last edited by seand03; Jan 31, 2016 at 06:22 PM.
Acct Suspended APR 2026 by request
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 10,367
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2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
C5 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
stock bolts here as well, I've probably had my headers unbolted 3-4 times for various reasons and never had an issue... never had a problem on my old trans am either... just put anti-seize on them and you should be fine... working around studs is a pain to me... maybe a stud in the front of each head would help hang them so you can get the other bolts started but I wouldn't want to use all studs personally
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
I have the studs. With my headers, you can't put all the studs in then hang the headers. However, I still wouldn't use bolts due to the risk of cross thread in the aluminum head. I also like the fact that you have full thread engagement when you tighten the headers in place. I figureed out which I could pre-install and hang the header then put those in and put the nuts/washers in place. Then installing the remaining studs only takes a few minutes because they are lubed with ARP lube and there is an allen fitting on the end of the stud so a finger ratchet and allen socket will make quick work of installing the remaining studs.
If you want to stick with stock bolts, you could pick up a couple of 8mmX1.25 bolts at a local hardware store and cut off the hex head to make something like a stud. Then use these to hang the gasket and header to aid with starting your bolts. Once the remaining bolts are in, remove the two cut bolts and replace with the actual bolts. Similar approach but in the end the header would be bolted in.
If you want to stick with stock bolts, you could pick up a couple of 8mmX1.25 bolts at a local hardware store and cut off the hex head to make something like a stud. Then use these to hang the gasket and header to aid with starting your bolts. Once the remaining bolts are in, remove the two cut bolts and replace with the actual bolts. Similar approach but in the end the header would be bolted in.
Last edited by vettenuts; Feb 1, 2016 at 07:20 AM.
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1/4 mile/AutoX
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,442
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From: Buffalo Texas
studs are better for accurate torque, and to help from harming your heads. I would have used them if not for the cost and installing a bit more difficult. I have wrenched for a very long time,one thing I learned is start the bolt(or nut) by hand !!!!!! (posted before I used factory bolts)
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
I have the studs. With my headers, you can't put all the studs in then hang the headers. However, I still wouldn't use bolts due to the risk of cross thread in the aluminum head. I also like the fact that you have full thread engagement when you tighten the headers in place. I figureed out which I could pre-install and hang the header then put those in and put the nuts/washers in place. Then installing the remaining studs only takes a few minutes because they are lubed with ARP lube and there is an allen fitting on the end of the stud so a finger ratchet and allen socket will make quick work of installing the remaining studs.
If you want to stick with stock bolts, you could pick up a couple of 8mmX1.25 bolts at a local hardware store and cut off the hex head to make something like a stud. Then use these to hang the gasket and header to aid with starting your bolts. Once the remaining bolts are in, remove the two cut bolts and replace with the actual bolts. Similar approach but in the end the header would be bolted in.
If you want to stick with stock bolts, you could pick up a couple of 8mmX1.25 bolts at a local hardware store and cut off the hex head to make something like a stud. Then use these to hang the gasket and header to aid with starting your bolts. Once the remaining bolts are in, remove the two cut bolts and replace with the actual bolts. Similar approach but in the end the header would be bolted in.
EXCELLENT INFORMATION!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 8,475
Likes: 332
From: Port Arthur, Texas 77642
I have the studs. With my headers, you can't put all the studs in then hang the headers. However, I still wouldn't use bolts due to the risk of cross thread in the aluminum head. I also like the fact that you have full thread engagement when you tighten the headers in place. I figureed out which I could pre-install and hang the header then put those in and put the nuts/washers in place. Then installing the remaining studs only takes a few minutes because they are lubed with ARP lube and there is an allen fitting on the end of the stud so a finger ratchet and allen socket will make quick work of installing the remaining studs.
If you want to stick with stock bolts, you could pick up a couple of 8mmX1.25 bolts at a local hardware store and cut off the hex head to make something like a stud. Then use these to hang the gasket and header to aid with starting your bolts. Once the remaining bolts are in, remove the two cut bolts and replace with the actual bolts. Similar approach but in the end the header would be bolted in.
If you want to stick with stock bolts, you could pick up a couple of 8mmX1.25 bolts at a local hardware store and cut off the hex head to make something like a stud. Then use these to hang the gasket and header to aid with starting your bolts. Once the remaining bolts are in, remove the two cut bolts and replace with the actual bolts. Similar approach but in the end the header would be bolted in.
Going to copy and paste for my next heads-off job
