Exhaust manifold replacement
 

So the threads in my passenger exhaust manifold that are used to connect the y pipe are stripped... It doesn't look too hard to pull out the manifold and replace it, it looks like I can pull it without removing anything else but please correct me before I go in thinking that. Has anyone replaced this? I have replaced a lot of studs with bolts in the past and I am wondering if there is a reason people are still manufacturing the stud replacement kit, am I not able to on this job? If I can switch to bolts I'm wondering if I should just invest in a tap set instead of a new manifold and tap some bigger holes in the existing one and throw on some bolts. Let me know what you guys think, thanks

Just did this. Passenger side is easier to get out, I move the compressor out of the way to move the hoses out of the way on the drivers side. Studs will usually come out, just work it back and forth. You can drill them out if you like, bolts are a little more convenient if you have to change gasket with manifold on.

Are there studs and nuts holding the manifold to the engine? I thought there were bolts holding on the manifold, or were you referring to the ypipe studs. I'm just doing the passenger side so good to know, thanks!

Oh and do I need to replace the manifold spacers/washers or can I reuse those?

They are bolts holding the manifold on

I don't care if you reuse the existing, just make sure you count how many were on each port. Also....get some liquid copper gasket and coat them, even if you get new, before you reassemble.

If you have SAI, it sucks a little more getting those corrugated pipes off. If you do, use the liquid copper gasket on the threads when you reassemble the SAI

They can be reused. This is about as easy a job as there is, unless yours is an SAI truck.

You don't need to remove the SAI pipes, I don't. That's why I move the AC compressor. The red silicone on either side of the gasket is good standard practice. Put a good 1/8 thick bead on it, put it together and barely snug it down till both sides touch the silicone (you can see it move slightly). Let it cure 24 hrs, then torque it down. Put some red silicone on the threads also. Don't overtighten the exhaust pipe bolts/nuts or you will get to do it again.

Be careful if you drill and tap, the one stud bottoms and if you go too far you are in to exhaust portion of the manifold.