So I have several broken exhaust manifold studs on my 2002 v10, I have read that the so called improved ford studs still suck, what would you recommend for replacements? I am also thinking about replacing the y pipe, it just looks so restrictive. Are there any good aftermarket y pipes out there? I have also thought about fabing one myself out of stainless. Thanks for the input!

 

I reused my manifolds, it didn't work, I then had them machined flat and tried again, still didn't work. I used the ford replacement studs and they are no improvement over the old ones. I also used the dorman ones they are way cheaper and are as good or better then the stock ones for what its worth. I'm in the process of getting the best headers I can, and scrapping the #$%* stock manifolds for good. Good luck

 

I would be going for headers as well, but i cant spend the money right now. My truck also needs ball joints, front wheel bearings, rod ends. I guess I will be going with the dorman studs for now. Im hoping i dont break off too many more studs in the head!

 

best way I found to get them off was mig weld to the end of them tell you have enough to grab onto with large vicegrips. then work it back and forth a very little bit at a time tell they loosen up. The heat really helps. Also soak them with PB blaster then again before you start heating them. if you have enough stud (3/8" or so) then get a stud puller from snap-on, really works well. Patients and more patients!

 

Apr probably makes a replacement stud, that is where I would check first.

 

I just used some grade 8 bolts.

 

Do not replace with studs, put in a grade 8 or better bolt.

 

I ended up just buying the Banks headers as I don't want this issue again with the oem parts or improved studs .
The bill was 930.00 to remove the studs and install Banks headers and Y pipe.
I also ordered the Banks exhaust but have not had it installed yet . I don't like the fact I have to use some of my stock pipe and I really want the stock sound , I have a Tundra with a Borla system that robbed all my bottom end and cab noise was ughhhhh.
So stock exhaust and Banks headers , first impression of the sound was , " I still have an exhaust manifold leak " lol
I don't drive the truck much and it took a week to get it back so I don't really have a seat of the pant review on just the headers . I can say there is a hill I drive quite often that the truck pulled in a higher gear ( with a small load of wood )that before headers truck would slow to 40mph and require a some pedal and a downshift .