Hey all. I have my freshly resurfaced exhaust manifold sitting on my workbench. I am going to put it on tommorow after a few gaskets arrive from the dealer.

While doing a search, I found that many guys are stripping the threads out of the head when tightening the nuts on the studs. I am now getting paranoid that this will happen to me when I try to bolt my manifold on.

What are some tips to avoid stripping the head threads?

I have ordered all new OEM nuts, I plan on reusing all the old studs exept the 3 that came out with the nuts.

Will I be OK if I thighten the nuts to the factory spec 33 ft/lbs? Or should I back off from this number a bit?

I don't want exhaust leaks, but at the same time I don't want stripped threads!

 

Clean the threads on the studs, make sure there is not additional friction that might cause a stud to strip...

why didnt you buy a header?

 

Put a little anti-seize on the nut and torque it down. Recheck your torque after a few thermal cyclings.

 

Will I be ok using 33 ft/lbs?