I know this topic has been beat to death but I didnt seem to find the answer to my doubts about the dreaded "stud" dillema. Anyway, have had my 89 GXE for about a month and Ive been doing the full tune up thing (rotor,cap,wires,plugs,oil change,etc...) and really want it to be in top shape and im starting to see alot of past posts about "studs" and am thinking "car has 147k,bought from original owner,dont think hes done anything major to it
so what are the symptons of broken studs anyway? I do notice that in the morning there is like a clicking/ticking noise when I first start it then I wont hear it till the next morning. Also when im driving and give it a quick gas pedal I notice car jumps a little bit forward for a sec and kind of back when i take my foot off. sorry for being so long but have mercy on us newbies. thanks

 

Try not to think about the manifold studs. I got almost 200,000Miles on my 91Se and my factory studs are still holding on. Just make sure your engine mounts are in good shape and you won't have a problem. BTW, I drive my max hard too.

 

My 93 SE Max sounds like a squealing pig when I hit the gas. Tomorrow it gets a new exhaust manifold, bolts and gasket. Ouch! I promise, you can't miss it when the bolts go and new parts are needed. Good luck with your new Max.

 

first symptoms of bad studs are you'll hear a ticking sound for the first 30-45 seconds while the engine is cold. after that, it'll pretty much dissappear and you won't know it's there.

as someone else said, worn engine mounts are usually the cause of the broken studs. make sure the engine mounts are in good shape, and the studs should stay intact. but from what you said, it sounds like the engine mounts are shot, as well as at least one broken exhaust stud.

 

Thanks guys for the 411.