I'm getting ready to do an engine swap for a 351M. Someone suggested to use studs and nuts instead of bolts where the manifold bolts to the head. I was just going to find a local supplier and get threaded rod or individual studs. Should I just ask for grade 8 or is there something stronger? Also can I just use loc-tite when installing them? Of course I plan on tapping the holes to make sure they're clean. I'm sure I can check my manual for the thread spacing and so forth.

 

A stud or bolt will be fine. Grade 8 is just what you need..

Is the truck running?

 

Do not use all thread. Get actual exhaust studs for your engine. I bought 2 packs of Ford exhaust manifold studs and they were not long enough on the head side. You don't want to use loc-tite at all on exhaust studs, unless it is there brand of anti seize. Here are reasons. The studs need to thread into the head a certain amount, this is what gives it the proper holding strength. A stud will have the part where the threads stop, this gives a place to tighten down too so as to not break through on the other side into a water passage or something. A stud made for exhaust will have all the proper treatments for being heated and cooled over and over again. Thread locker will make it so you will have no choice but to drill out the studs if you ever have to remove them.

 

I'm actually doing 2 engine swaps for the same kind of motor. One is running the other is not. I found a video of the candle wax trick. The guy that suggested using studs also suggested using (2) sets of gaskets. I'm soaking them now with PB Blaster.

 

FYI.. Instead of using two, Remflex offers real thick gaskets for such an application.


http://www.remflex.com/index.html

 

why not just use brass bolts? I did put new manifolds on my truck and it already had the bolts on it and they came out with no need for wd40 or pb blaster. So I would go for the bolts personally

 

I was lucky. It looked like the previous owner has recently installed the headers. The bolts came out real easy. They were barely snug. One was already working its way out.