I am about to bolt my exhaust manifold to my aluminium 2.0L zetec cylinder head. Question is, is it better to use studs and nuts as the original Mondeo fitment or just bolt the thing to the head using M8 bolts and spring washers.

I know the torque setting are minute, just wondered what other people have done:

Exhaust stud to head = 5Nm
Exhaust manifold to stud = 16Nm

thanks

Stud is better.

This way you only "wear" on the thread of the stud, instead of the thread in the head, each time you assemble/disassemble.

Also, I would use several washers to recieve a proper "clamping lenght" (donīt know the english word) since this is subjected to a lot of heat changes.

Clamping length would be the part of the stud working as a spring.

/Hasse

I've used cap head stainless bolts and no problems at all, and they look good. Sure there are loads of reasons why they are not the best but I like to live life on the edge.