Hello everyone. I converted the intake manifold side of my head to studs, and thought I'd get a little write up on here for you guys, and for the archives. I've wanted to do this for some time, because it really simplifies getting on the intake manifold, as you dont have to hassle with getting each gasket aligned perfectly. Its easier, there no stripping the alan bolt and just seams like thats what should have done in the first place. I wonder if you get some better cooling to the head because of them too...

Anywho. I bought 8 eight exhaust manifold studs, part number 999.062.044.02, which are 8x30 studs, actual length 46mm. I tightened the short thread side into the head, leaving the longer side out for the locking nuts i used, part number 900.084.004.02. Its basically just a zinc plated M8 nylon locking nut. I bought them as genuine porsche hardware in the midst of a larger order with zims.

I torqued em all down, then test fitted the intake manifold, and there is enough room for the nut, plus a bit of stud to still protrude. Here are some photos. I just did the exhaust manifold studs too.

~Eyal

**EDIT: I'd like to bring to everyones attention, do not do this while your head is OFF! As I was putting th head on today, I realized 3 studs block acces to 3 head nuts! I had to remove em, torque head, and then put em back in. Do it only AFTER you have installed, torqued, and retorqued the head!**

 

That's a great idea, are the threads and everything the same? All I have to do is buy the studs and put them in? I'm going to do that also next time my intake is off.

 

Yeah, that is pretty nifty. I wish I had thought to do that last summer.

 

Threads are the same. It was a pretty easy job, though I did torque em pretty hard, I dunno if i needed to or not. I also locked em in with some loctite.
~Eyal

 

Torque on those head bolts is fairly low as are the manifold studs. No manual at work, though.

I do like the idea having had the intake off/on twice already. A bit of loctite on the block end will keep those in place, then just plop on new gaskets and the manifold. Sweet.

 

Yeah, I think it's only like 15 ft-lbs. at most.

 

The only downside I could see to this is when you get some gasket material stuck to the head. It would be a pain to scrape off. Hopefully this won't happen if you coat your IM gaskets with some oil and don't leave them on there for 20 years straight.

Max

 

Eyal, AWESOME AESOME AWESOME idea, I am planning to do this, when I have to take the intake manifold off next time. This will save a lot of work, making a lot of jobs easier, like getting to the flywheel sensors for instance....
Thanks!

 

Hrmm

Eyal are you saying that the studs that you used for the intake are the same as the exhaust studs, or are the studs you bought for a different model? If they are the same I'm going to buy myself those Saturn studs instead of the Porsche ones; I used them when I replaced my headers and life was good .

 

same as the exhaust for 944. I just bought 16, and did exhaust and intake all at once. Saturn ones should work...
~Eyal

 

What was special about the saturn ones again?...

 

Good idea and something I'll also likely do - only question is does the stud length interfere with easy removal of the intake when it's on the head (i.e. is there enough clearance to lift it off or do you have to lift the intake higher to clear the studs to the point where other crap gets in the way). Another concern is be VERY careful putting the intake on - it's aluminum and if you scratch the deck of it, you'll have the possibility of a leak there, despite the gaskets. It's a lot easier to scratch the deck on studs than using bolts. Still a good idea overall methinks though. . . Just be careful.

 

I think they are cheaper and have a torx key end so you don't have to double nut them.

I have yet to use them.

Max

 

Maximum Boost book has a great quote to the effect that "Engineers use studs and Accountants use bolts." I wonder if the nut will be hard to install on the stud closest to the firewall. I usually have to fight a bundle of wires, etc., to push that bolt in.

 

There's also a bracket that has to attach to it.