Manifold studs and springs still available?

[obijuank5]

I installed these a very long time ago and they seemed to do the trick pretty well. What’s the modern answer to manifold studs? The spring kit I bought back then is not available as a kit anymore. They are square body big block manifolds with the plug hole at each cylinder. Assuming 80s.

 

[nvrenuf]

Those used to be available in the Help! product line.

 

[obijuank5]

Dorman doesn’t offer that kit anymore and they are wanting 6 dollars a spring. That ain’t happening.

 

[nvrenuf]

There’s 2-3 old Dorman packages on eBay, $9-$12 each.

 

[Wes Harden]

Could convert to metric and use later model big stuff. several different lengths and threads on summit. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/rnb-03107/make/chevrolet

 

[dyeager535]

I bought some GM pieces not that long ago, not sure where I got them. Ebay perhaps. I suspect they are still made, they were in plastic bags and looked pretty new.

If you need the GM part number I may be able to find the package.

I do see they are on Rockauto, at least for an '85 K5, but only Dorman.

 

[obijuank5]

Gm is 587575 but still unreasonably expensive. I got half a mind to just put some spacers and call it a day.

 

[Wes Harden]

I like the idea of the springs. Allows some flex, when front and rear frame go two different directions. Am thinking about it for my exhaust redo

 

[dyeager535]

Gm is 587575 but still unreasonably expensive. I got half a mind to just put some spacers and call it a day.

I'd balk at ~$7 each too. Cheapest I could find them now is about that.

I suppose it depends how solid everything is in your setup. I don't run springs on mine (granted, headers, but same difference) and haven't had them leak, but if the exhaust is prone to move around, I can see how the springs would be effective and solid mounting would cause problems.

 

[obijuank5]

I do like the constant pressure appeal of springs. It has worked well for the whole time so I should try to keep it.

Just went to my favorite bolt house and bought a complete set for 20 bucks.

 

[dyeager535]

Are those exhaust-specific springs? I made a mistake before assuming that steel springs wouldn't be affected by heat. But by gosh I did ruin a spring under *300 in the oven. It was obviously not rated for the heat.

Mechanical Spring Issue: Relaxation at High Temperatures - Yost Superior

When mechanical springs are placed in high temperature environments they lose much of their strength and are subject to permanent deformation.

www.yostsuperior.com

 

[obijuank5]

Are those exhaust-specific springs? I made a mistake before assuming that steel springs wouldn't be affected by heat. But by gosh I did ruin a spring under *300 in the oven. It was obviously not rated for the heat.

Mechanical Spring Issue: Relaxation at High Temperatures - Yost Superior

When mechanical springs are placed in high temperature environments they lose much of their strength and are subject to permanent deformation.

www.yostsuperior.com

I don’t know enough to say so but they said it would be ok by the specs.

 

[Wes Harden]

not a fan of copper/brass nuts on the exhaust system, they are the only fasteners that have constantly come loose, replace with steel alloy and no more problem.

 

[dyeager535]

Did GM ever use the longer brass nuts on the exhaust studs? I know I had some at some point. Those could potentially offer a bit better holding I would think.

 

[obijuank5]

This is my only experience with these and the normal depth brass held very well and were also a mother to remove. So I got that going for me, which is nice.

 

[dyeager535]

This is my only experience with these and the normal depth brass held very well and were also a mother to remove. So I got that going for me, which is nice.

lol. That Dalai Lhama is a great dude.

I would think the way that stuff rusts up, perhaps the key is for the nuts to stay tight just long enough for the studs to rust up and interfere with rotation.

 

[Wes Harden]

I don't recall any OEM using brass/bronze. Of course that might be a bean counter thing.

 

[tarussell]

I’m still laughing over ole Bill Murray references talk’n about speak’n with the Dalai Lahama - good stuff !

 

[joshuak]

 

[JIMDINK]

I bought new manifolds for the Jimmy. The drivers side manifold I got came with the hardware to install with the springs and longer studs or the shorter studs and no springs, but the passenger side did not have the choice, probably because of the angle on the passenger side?