How long before exhasut studs become unremovable??
 

I am installing my engine now after a rebuild. I want to switch to SSI's in the future. I have a couple of questions. 1) Does one really get extra HP (15?) just by switching and 2) how long can I wait before the studs get too rusted to remove? I used antisieze on the studs, big whoop. That's gone after a couple of rains. It is an '81 SC with standard(?) HE's that are loose on the exhaust (welds broken?).
Thanks guys. I couldn't have done the engine rebuild with out this BB and many of the experts here.

Cheers, Mike. SmileWavy

You will get a HP bump by going to SSI's, how much depends upon the condition of your motor and the tune but it is bolt on HP.
How long for the studs to rust? Who knows, where you live not so long, where I live a long time.
If you used a good heat capable antiseize you should be ok for awhile. If you are that concerned then remove them every 6 months and re coat...if they are fresh you could do that.

Cool. I can do that. I don't want to re drill out any exhaust studs. ugh!:mad: did that already...

A good anti-seize will help even tho the "grease" base has burned off. The metal stays behind and creates a barrier to rust/corrosion forming between the 2 parts. You can always switch to stainless nuts and washers, just to be sure. This isn't a structural application so the SS hardware will be OK.

Are you talking about removing the studs from the heads or just the nuts off of the studs?

A good anit-seize and copper plated nuts, you should be good for a while. I removed my HEs after 20 years with out trouble. But I don't drive on salted roads.

If you are talking about removing the actual studs from the heads? Good luck with that.

Nope, Gordon. Just the nuts off the studs.
Thanks for the information guys.
Love this board.