Replacing the exhaust manifolds on 5.4 3v ... these motors are so picky about what we use...
my question is what exhaust manifold studs to use.
i really WANT to use stainless hardware so as to hopefully not have to deal with the stuck/broken studs again in the future...
is this a valid idea? Im seeing studs from 11$ for a set to several dollars each and trying to figure which ones to buy.
Suggestions?

 

Galvanic corrosion comes to mind using stainless bolts and studs in aluminum heads
Pros use brass nuts and 304 stainless studs sometimes
I'd just go factory studs or the dorman replacements to be safe (if replacing them)
The ones that don't break off, and have been through thousands of heat cycles are the ones I would keep using (like the ones you find at the junkyard on the ground )

 

^
This

Not too many people have to worry about changing them even once, let alone more often than that. What sort of issues are you having that you feel you will need to deal with it again in the future?

 

the issue started out as a broken stud in my 06, bought a parts car for the engine, that engine came with 3 broken studs and one cracked manifold... and i have read this is not an uncommon issue...

 

thanks for your response

 

As much of a PITA as this is, you’d rather break studs than have studs that hold out, but strip threads when the manifold yanks them out of place.

Also, if the manis are merely warped, have them sanded flat and reinstall. They will be “seasoned” and last. A brand new set will have you back here before long when they warp and break studs again.

 

I had a couple broken off studs. I bought a set of I think dorman studs. They said stainless but they have some copper looking coating.
Here we are several years later and no issues.