Removed my manifolds today. 97 SE 2.5L.
In the pic below, I've labelled the hardware to match the FSM, which is also shown below.
Question 1: For me, numbers 6 and 7 are not studs, but bolts. I'm guessing that when the shop replace my manifold, years ago, they removed the studs? Is there any reason I need to go back to studs or can I just stick with bolts?
Question 2: I didn't anticipate replacing the hardware, but clearly #7 and #3 are not OEM. If I run to a hardware store instead of ordering online, what grade or material should I look for?
Many thanks.
———
Update for Question 1: Sounds like studs help to seal off the holes from the water jacket, and also serve as dowels when first hanging/positioning the exhaust manifold. Over on this thread, @Oldguy recommended this product. But on my 97 SE, these are 7/16", not M10. Napa's fitment tool agreed that they would not fit mine. Instead, Napa recommends this, but I don't yet see how that would work.
Update for Question 2: Sounds like Grade 8 hardware is the way to go. The larger ones (#7 and #6) turned out to be 7/16" bolts with 14 thread pitch, at 1.5" long. The smaller ones (#3 and #2) turned out to be 3/8" bolts with 16 thread pitch, at 1.25" long. (Note: The 97–99 FSM parts list shows #6 and #7 to be 3/8" studs with 16 thread pitch, just like the bolts for #3 and #2. I don't know why my holes for #6 and #7 are 7/16" with 14 thread pitch, but it may be another one of the quirks of a 97 build.)
Still trying to determine whether I'll go with studs or bolts for #6 and #7, but that's a story for this thread.
———
In the pic below, I've labelled the hardware to match the FSM, which is also shown below.
Question 1: For me, numbers 6 and 7 are not studs, but bolts. I'm guessing that when the shop replace my manifold, years ago, they removed the studs? Is there any reason I need to go back to studs or can I just stick with bolts?
Question 2: I didn't anticipate replacing the hardware, but clearly #7 and #3 are not OEM. If I run to a hardware store instead of ordering online, what grade or material should I look for?
Many thanks.
———
Update for Question 1: Sounds like studs help to seal off the holes from the water jacket, and also serve as dowels when first hanging/positioning the exhaust manifold. Over on this thread, @Oldguy recommended this product. But on my 97 SE, these are 7/16", not M10. Napa's fitment tool agreed that they would not fit mine. Instead, Napa recommends this, but I don't yet see how that would work.
Update for Question 2: Sounds like Grade 8 hardware is the way to go. The larger ones (#7 and #6) turned out to be 7/16" bolts with 14 thread pitch, at 1.5" long. The smaller ones (#3 and #2) turned out to be 3/8" bolts with 16 thread pitch, at 1.25" long. (Note: The 97–99 FSM parts list shows #6 and #7 to be 3/8" studs with 16 thread pitch, just like the bolts for #3 and #2. I don't know why my holes for #6 and #7 are 7/16" with 14 thread pitch, but it may be another one of the quirks of a 97 build.)
Still trying to determine whether I'll go with studs or bolts for #6 and #7, but that's a story for this thread.
———
Last edited:
