A couple weeks ago, I installed a new exhaust manifold gasket to fix a few exhaust leaks (its an 81-84 22r in an 86 pickup). 2 of the exhaust studs took the threads from the head when I torqued it down to the 33 ft lbs specified by the manual. Is it possible to helicoil the head on the exhaust side? Or would the expansion and contraction caused by the heat be too much?

 

helicoil should be fine. just drill/tap/thread the helicoil insert in and use anti-sieze on the stud threads.