5.7 exhaust manifold issues again

[jeep_boy02]

I went thru the past threads but nothing recently I found so here's a new post.

Anyone still with the 5.7 found an actual fix for the studs breaking?

I've got too much in the fire to g headers Ike I know I should and my brother's PW is also needing the same work. Mine were done years ago under warranty but now they won't so I'm contemplating doing them myself.

Are they a real PITA or doable? I'll be doing a class 10.9 and upping from 30mm to 45 or 50mm lengths also to help with the hardware side.

I'm hesitant to go stainless on hardware as if they bust its probably a new head to fix.

Opinions and any info on what has worked for you appreciated. Especially if damagewagon is still around.

need mods... too little time and money

[RustyPW]

When you do it. Anti-seize the crap out of the threads.

[SimonandSimonBeast]

I paid my mechanic a pretty penny to replace mine with stainless. Be ready to weld on some nuts to get the broken pieces out. At least a couple of mine were busted, or busted upon removal.

[jeep_boy02]

Yeah figured that too. A mech down the road quoted $200 even for it and I said he'll, that's worth me not trying it all day long. I'll probably get some longer 10.9 grade hardware to have him replace tho

need mods... too little time and money

[Retired BLM Rig]

Heat warps the manifold over time and that warpage applies extra strain on the outer bolts, causing them to break. When you get the manifold off, lay a straightedge across the surface and you'll see 1/8" - 1/4" of warpage. Take the manifold to a machine shop and get it resurfaced before you reinstall it and it'll last much longer. Original manifolds that have been machined hold their straightness better, because it has already warped once and they don't tend to move as much after. New manifolds, on the other hand, still have a lot of room to warp, because it's a new casting.

You can resurface it yourself if you have a 6"X48" belt sander. It doesn't need to be a perfect finish, like a cylinder head or engine block.

My .02¢