OBD2 headers-outlet studs or bolts?

[drken]

Any concensus here on whether to stay with studs on the outlet side of OBD2 manifolds, or pop them out and expect to place nuts and bolts? I have the engine on a stand right now with one or two bad studs. I figured I can replace the bad ones now, or remove them all, depending on advice received. Just a whole lot easier now either way. I thought I read in one of these topics that somebody had a tough time getting the lower section to bolt up to the OBD2 header with studs in it once in the car. Anybody else find that to be the case? I plan to use the front pieces cut off a late e36 midsection to bolt to manifolds, then an aftermarket 2-1 Y pipe to join in to my existing 2.5" single. Strictly track car.
Thoughts?

Thanks!

Ken

[coreyw]

I had two broken on mine, so I pulled them out, and then got two bolts, grinded the heads down to sorta match the thickness of the OEM studs, and then welded them to the flange. That way I don't haveta worry about using two wrenches to tighten it ever.

[drken]

Yeah, I'd kinda like to keep it studded for exactly that reason, but was fitting up the lower section in the car made difficult by having the studs there?
Ken

[Lithium]

Tight But OK

I had no issues with studs - It was tight but worked out fine in the end.

[drken]

I had no issues with studs - It was tight but worked out fine in the end.

That's good to hear. I really would like to stay with studs if possible.
Has anybody else here used the front piece of an stock e36 midpipe after stock headers?

Thanks!

Ken

[lbreevesii]

i had studs come out when i took my odbI manis off. one didn't make it all the way back in apparently and it stripped when i torqued it down. If I ever have the head off i'm going to have it drilled outf from M7 to M8 and restud it.

[Slovik]

Yea I used the stock down pipes with OBD2 M3 headers, it works fine. Some other combo may give you a little bit more ground clearance but it's pretty close to the body. I only used the part between the headers and the cats had a muffler shop build the rest for me.

[drken]

Sounds good. I can weld a little, so if needed, I might alter the pipes for best fit. I'll try to remember to post up some pics when I get to it. Probably a few weeks off.

Ken

[Lithium]

That's good to hear. I really would like to stay with studs if possible.
Has anybody else here used the front piece of an stock e36 midpipe after stock headers?

Thanks!

Ken

I used the entire E36 system - I made myself a set of treehouse racing style Control Arm Bushings - it took a while to fit it in - tight around the Dual Cats but well worth it. (not sure this is of any help...)