Headers: studs or bolts?

[loud2004marquis]

Starting to remove the factory exhaust off of a 2003 Town Car I was able to buy.
With only 12,000 miles on it, I hope the job won't be too bad.

Going on will be the full stainless works kit from the headers to the catted version of the cat-back.

What do you all recommend for mounting the headers:

Reuse the factory studs?
Replace the factory studs with stainless studs?
Use the bolts supplied by stainless works?

Thanks in advance!

[03Merc]

I was able to use the factory studs because the nuts came off nicely, I did use brand new nuts from Ford tho. Getting the old studs to come out nicely was a mission I didn't want to deal with. All depends on how clean they look I guess.


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[justbob]

Option 2


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[Comin' in Hot]

stainless studs.... studs are far less likely to strip the threads in the head vs a bolt.

[fastblackmerc]

I used these on my Mustang shorties.

Stage 8 Locking Header Bolts - #8906

[blazen71]

I would reuse studs if they are in good shape. Otherwise buy new studs. OEM or stainless, your call. And absolutely use OEM exhaust manifold gaskets. DO NOT use aftermarket. They all suck no matter what anyone tells you. I've even reused OEM exhaust manifold gaskets.

[Joe Walsh]

I would reuse studs if they are in good shape. Otherwise buy new studs. OEM or stainless, your call.
And absolutely use OEM exhaust manifold gaskets. DO NOT use aftermarket. They all suck no matter what anyone tells you. I've even reused OEM exhaust manifold gaskets.

^^^^ THIS ^^^^

The OEM multi layer stainless steel gaskets work the best.
I reused my OEM gaskets for my Kooks Headers and had zero leaks.

[MyBlackBeasts]

Replace the factory studs with stainless studs, they're cheap on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Exh...%2CB07VT76H BT

Reuse the OEM gaskets if in good shape or if not get new OEM replacements only.

[loud2004marquis]

Thanks for the replies, decided to go with new stainless studs and nuts.

Another question:

I have a brand new set of OEM exhaust gaskets and stainless works say in their instructions to either use the high temp. sealant they supply alone or use it in conjunction with the gaskets.

It's getting cold here in Michigan and was wondering if the sealant will even set properly.

You guys think it would be OK to just bolt the headers on with only new OEM gaskets and avoid the sealant altogether?

Or is a combo of the two the best way to go?

[musclemerc]

Factory SS multi layered gaskets go on dry, no sealant needed.

[blazen71]

Factory SS multi layered gaskets go on dry, no sealant needed.

Agreed ^^^^^