Slotting exhaust manifolds / studs vs ARP bolts / nordlocks

[jazzdude]

Whats the current consensus regarding these two methods of getting the manifolds back on?

The first sounds easiest and cheapest (how long do the studs need to be?), the second seems to have mixed reviews. Yes they go on quicker but many say they have a tendency to need more retightening. Plus for me they will cost nearly €100 with shipping.

Having changed my gaskets a couple of months ago, I decided to get them off again to get access to the chassis, and also cut the precats out. The bolts being 'fresh' should come out easily.

[Hedgehopper]

Useful info. from Spend here..............

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[jazzdude]

Using ARP bolts with slots worries me as I understand the bolts are shorter than the mild steel ones and not enough thread will be in the holes while dropping the manifold on.

It wasn't clear how wide the slots need to be or whether they should be vertical and parallel with each other or at an angle.

I liked the idea of the waisted studs though with 3/8 nuts.

[jazzdude]

Can anyone tell me what size waisted studs I need to get?

I think I would like to slot the manifolds and use these along the bottom, the top ones aren't too bad so I will probably just keep the original bolts on those.

[jojackson4]

ARP with nordlock washers and slotted manifolds no problems

Top tip if you go down that road centre punch the heads of the bolts it gives the
Washers some more bite

[jazzdude]

jojackson4 said:

ARP with nordlock washers and slotted manifolds no problems

Top tip if you go down that road centre punch the heads of the bolts it gives the
Washers some more bite

Yes I have seen that, thanks.

I am looking into these waisted studs with the smaller nuts, they cost a fraction of the arps, just not sure of the correct size.

[alan-87]

When you find out can you post up the definitive answer here...

[Chimp871]

"I am looking into these waisted studs with the smaller nuts, they cost a fraction of the arps, just not sure of the correct size. "

- can someone update with what length and size waisted bolts should be? About to slot my manifolds

[jazzdude]

In the end I just went with ARP bolts with Nordlocks. I couldn't find a definitive answer re the waisted studs either and really didn't want to be messing around with trial and error.

[Discopotatoes]

I have slotted manifolds and I've used arp and nordlocks but found they kept coming loose, so had to drill and wire them.
I will be using stainless locking nuts and and studs on the bottom row when it goes back in the car

[Loubaruch]

Apparently stainless is not a good idea on exhaust manifolds. According to a friend who is heavily involved industrially with stainless steel fabrication it is very stable and ideal at low temperatures but much less so at high ones.

[jojackson4]

No problems with mine

[Richard 858]

ARPs & Nordlocs for me too, I have Clive F stainless manifolds and steel laminate gaskets. No problems other than a couple of nip ups after fitting these gaskets originally, I would also say that my set up is a good test as I assume that higher intake air speed/pressure = higher exhaust gas speed/pressure?

[Chimp871]

Just saw price of arp bolts. Bloody hell they ain't cheap!!!

It seems the standard is 3/8" x 1" unc. Just can't see any with the smaller heads.

Hard to justify the arp price in my thick head.

[Chimp871]

Thinking of these. Maleable iron not pretty but strong
http://www.gwr-fasteners.co.uk/stud-38-unc-x-11316...

[Chimp871]

Thinking of these. Maleable iron not pretty but strong
http://www.gwr-fasteners.co.uk/stud-38-unc-x-11316...