Manifold bolt problem?

[dnb]

Got the new manifolds on the car, and all is well for the moment.

However, I have a small snag. Two of the left hand side bolts stripped some of the thread out of the heads. There's currently enough thread left to hold the bolts, but I don't expect this to continue for too long.

What are my options here? Could I retap the offending holes with the engine in place (obviously one of them is the rear top...) and use oversized bolts or is there a better way?

I will be pulling the engine out over the xmas holiday as part of the body-off chassis restoration, so hopefully it'll last until then.

[GreenV8S]

Ultimately you have the option of tapping the holes back out and fitting timesert or helicoil inserts, but access can be a problem. You may end up needing to pull the head off to fit the inserts.

[pupp]

Wurth Timeserts will give a solid repair for sure but will need the head(s) to be removed as there will be insufficient clearance for the necessary tools. Good opportunity for a valve clean-up and new gaskets etc...

[dnb]

Looks like it'll have to survive somehow until Christmas then.

Thanks.