Exhaust manifold bolts

[JohnC]

Going back to stock manifolds on the Malibu. What kinda bolts do you like? I’ve seen 3/8-16 x 2-1/4 inch mentioned as the correct size. I’m thinking stainless because I guess these don’t have a ton of torque on them and I don’t want rusty bolts.

Thanks.

 

[Shovelrick]

Whatever bolts you use I think Anti Seize would be a good idea, I'm not too sure I'd use SS bolts in exh manifolds but grade 8 would be a good choice I think, I'd also use lock washers with the ridges all around the inside or outside can't think what they're called at the moment, I just used 2 yesterday lol Some cars needed studs at the front to mount Accs. so you might want to see how your Alt, power steering pump etc bolt on

 

[cheveslakr]

I like stock stuff when you can, and have no problem with a bit of patina discoloring under the hood. Chevy sprayed their engines with the intake and exhaust manifolds in place, so a good bit of orange on the upper exhaust manifolds including the bolts would be accurate.

 

[68Chevele]

Whatever you do use the long brass 3/8" nuts for holding the pipes on to the manifolds.

 

[Nashville Cat]

I would chase the threaded holes of the manifold bolts and use plenty of anti-seize on them.
And I would use the stainless bolts like you mentioned.

What about using these ? Rams Horn 2-1/2" outlet. Or is this a big block ?

Smoothie Rams Horn Exhaust Manifolds, Small Block Chevy, Raw

Smooth exterior finish with no exposed brackets or bolt holes for a clean appearance Fits most factory Gen 1 SBC heads including Vortec heads Ample clearance for both straight and angled spark plug applications 1-3/8-inch by 1-3/8-inch square port design can be port matched to your heads...

www.speedwaymotors.com

 

[JohnC]

Those are good looking manifolds and pretty cheap too. My originals were blasted and painted with an exhaust Manifold paint so they look pretty good. I’d also be afraid of the quality of an inexpensive off brand manifold vs OEM.

 

[cage2592]

ARP Stainless studs for me. I cant stand trying to align gaskets and headers, and getting in the tight areas to slide a bolt in the back blind tube turn in. with studs its just in and out.

Second for me would be the 1" ARP Stainless (if you had the space and hole depth. that way Id have enough bolt to take loosen the front and rear and plenty of room to hang new gaskets.

 

[Nashville Cat]

Those are good looking manifolds and pretty cheap too. My originals were blasted and painted with an exhaust Manifold paint so they look pretty good. I’d also be afraid of the quality of an inexpensive off brand manifold vs OEM.

They make those manifolds by the thousands; that's why they are reasonable.
Stainless bolt kits on ebay for SBC manifolds are $20.
Are your manifolds 2-1/2" outlet ?

 

[cheveslakr]

Those china manifolds have a pretty good reputation. I personally don't trust china steel, especially suspension parts but the engine heat cycles have killed many oem manifolds, especially vintage oldsmobile castings. It sucks starting your vintage ride and hearing that dreaded exhaust leak and no way to fix it but replace the manifold.

 

[SSuperDave]

I've used aftermarket iron manifolds from Dorman and found then to be excellent. As a poster stated above, buy the manifold stud kit with the long brass nuts.