Hi,

I'm new here and this is my first post. What's up everyone! I looked through the archives and tried to find an answer to my problem but could only find info relating to it. So here goes... I have the classic exhaust manifold stud problem (car squeals like a pig under acceleration). I wanna get it fixed but would like to put in replacement studs that won't break. I talked to a mechanic who told me nissan updated studs for the cars and they fix the problem. Well, here's a few q's...

(1) Can I just buy a high quality stud from the aftermarket?
(2) What type of metal should the stud be made of?

I need to replace studs on both manifolds but the side closest to the firewall is worse.

(3) Is $300 for the one side ($500 for both sides) with P&L included a good
price?
(4) Can I tackle this w/o a lift and in the parking lot of my apartment complex?

Any help would be appreciated,

Matt

 

I always hear Matt talking about using the studs from a VG30ET I think, or maybe it was the VG30DETT I can't remember, I'm sure someone will be along to clarify it.

Personally I havent done them on my motor yet, the fronts would be easy but the rears I think would be tougher. Matt seems to have some good tips on how to get it done though (along with other people, but I always hear it from him, lol).

I've heard other people have used studs from Napa with out a problem.

 

Why not use the Nissan studs? I don't understand people that go out of thier way to get non-OEM parts.

And $500 for the job is pretty good. More of the studs will break during the removal process. I started with one broken and ended up with 5. Not pretty.

 

Check this out.


















From the "other" maxima site

 

I said **** it when the studs started breaking. Since I had it torn down to replace the fuel injectors and the timing belt I pulled the heads and had a valve job done - along with having the studs removed. In the end it was worth it. I got a decent power and fuel milage increase.

 

Thanx for your help guys! I couldn't of figured this out w/o it.

BTW, I found some studs that will hold up to the elements (especially the salty air down in FL). Most of you probably already know but it took me a lot of searching to find. I checked every Auto/Hardware store in town. Here's the link...

ARP

http://www.arp-bolts.com/media/pdf_files/SC_54-58.pdf

Summit Racing will sell you an 8pk and a 4pk for $100 which includes the studs and fasteners. That was way to much for me. I got just the 12 studs strait from ARP for $39 (nissan wanted $25 for their crap). The application that should work is M8 x 1.25 x 51mm. I'll know in about a week when I get the job complete. I also picked up all stainless (grade 8) fasteners from a local hardware store. I ended up spending $50 for everything with shipping.

Any thoughts from anyone?

Matt F.

 

Shoot me the part#, I now have access to ARP along with another 300+ manufacturers

 

Here's the part number for the stud by itself... AF 2.00-12GB

The part numbers for the package kits are on the above link but here they are:

4pk => 400-8004
8pk => 400-8014
10pk => 400-8024

* I used a stud off a VG turbo motor to get the filliment. This is what the nissan tech told me worked. Their computer wouldn't pull up the VE's part # so I'm assuming this is correct.

I would stay away from the packages (lol) because they overpriced. Theirs got to be a cheaper way to get stainless nuts and washers.

 

i had my studs done last week for $370 including parts and labour. and that pricing is canadian.
i got the vg30det studs and they seemed of a decent quality. although i don't care if they're better or not because it isn't likely that i'll have the maxima for another 10 years anyways.
btw,
i had 6 broken studs

 

Are the nissian replacement/vg30et studs NOT stainless???

 

They're sinc plated steel. they're more than tough enough. I have yet to hear or the replacement studs breaking.

 

No, I picked one up from my local nissan dealer yesterday. It looks to me like it is zinc plated.

 

Hey guys. I live in Florida a few miles from the coast, even closer in my hometown. The salt in the air is very corrosive. I've treated cancer on my car's body and the studs I have left are rusted out. Besides, $10 to $20 bucks extra isn't much to get piece of mind that I won't have to repeat the job. I've talked to a few Nissan techs and they told me the studs will just snap again. How long do you think a grade 8 bolt can take the temperature extremes that the manifold place on it. Well, I don't want to find out.

Just my thoughts