Stud too close to manifold - any advice?
 

Just finished a shakedown/first drive before I get the car tuned and the final thing I need to do is figure out how to get this last exhaust manifold nut on. The CXRacing manifold was shaved on the top of cylinder 3, but not enough to get the nut on. I shaved the nut down and removed the washer part of it but still can't get it on. I don't want to grind the manifold anymore as it will probably put a hole on it. I went to the hardware store and couldn't find anything smaller than the nut I grinded down. The only thing I could think of is figuring out how to remove the stud without using the double-nut method and then using a long stud with a spacer to clear the manifold. Do you guys have any advice for me? Thanks in advance, I'll keep an eye on this thread for a few days.

I wouldnt worry about putting a hole in the manifold as it will probably crack anyways. You really need to post some pictures of this for anyone to help.

Like he said, it’s going to crack anyway so buy a better manifold known not to crack.

yeah, ill cross that bridge if i get to it. its a third car so itll see maybe a hundred miles a month if im lucky

Loosen all the other 3 nuts and that will give you wiggle room to get that nut onto the last stud. Just a guess but that would probably be your solution. Oh and like others said that shit it gonna crack. lol

thanks for some actual advice, lol

and i'm aware of the cracking issue. i got like 20% off the whole kit so im not really too worried about replacing the manifold. shit happens

right on, good luck with it.

Some manifolds require starting many of the nuts at the same time with the manifold spaced away from the head and then easing them all in a little at the same time (together).

as i'm imagining this process in my head it makes a lot of sense. thank you. will try this out this weekend

I had to do what six just explained when I made my log manifold because I am dumb and didn't take that into consideration when I made it.