cbracerx

So I was doing some heavy maintenance on my '01 986s which included removing the headers. I have never liked the bolts used to secure these to the heads so I convert them to stainless studs. This time, one of the bolts broke off close to the head. PB Blaster, Heat, vice grips - this bolt was not coming out. It was the location closest to the IMS chains so access was limited. I center punched it and started to try a left hand drill bit - but it was walking. So I ordered this little helper from Stomski Racing (NO affiliation).

Once it arrived, I put it on the 1/8" of bolt left, held it in place with vice grips and put a drill bit right into the center of the bolt nice and easy (wear safety glasses...). After that I made an attempt with an easy out but it was not going to work. Kept on drilling and installed a time-sert. The headers bolted up fine to the new studs.

I've struggled in the past to get such drilling operations "in situ" done without going off center. The tool above _really_ helped me out to do this without much pain. Highly recommended. Stomski also has a much more professional tool for this that if I was a pro I would invest in, since it would save more time and be less likely to create an "oh poop" moment. But for the cost (less than $26 shipped), this worked very well.

ejdoherty911

Thanks, that's good info.

Schnell Gelb

CBracerX
Very helpful fix and suggestion to change to s/s studs.
Other Forum members would be interested to know what specific studs you used .I presume you used studs with the female hex at one end ? Did you use studs with a center shoulder or continuous threads?
The interesting challenge is the specific length and whether you used any thread locker on the stud threads that fit in the cylinder head ?
I ask because studs can complicate the R&R of the headers+cats if they are too long or if red loctite is used in the cylinder head.
Plug for Stomski:
https://www.stomskiracing.com/produc...mm-drill-guide
https://www.otctools.com/products/drilling-guide-system

cbracerx

Yes I used studs with a female hex on the end, they are continuous thread. No thread locker in the head, I used copper based anti-seize. I bought studs that were a bit too long, (ok much too long) but that did not cause any issues installing the headers.

If you search ebay for "M8 x 1.25mm Stainless Steel Extended Manifold Studs - Custom Quantity" you can find the ones I purchased. I got 60mm which is probably twice as long as needed

meirschwartz

I'm a big fan of this tool:

cbracerx

That does look like a good solution I would never have thought to glue a locating ring onto the part to get the guide to align. It does require a specific diameter and thread pitch, but I know that 8mm x 1.25mm would be the one to get. Took a look but did not find on Amazon, but ebay had it. A lot pricier at $189 http://www.ebay.com/itm/QuikCenter-6...-/281788810578 but that's for several sizes 6MM-P.1.00 ,8MM-P1.25,10MM-P1.50, 12MM-P1.75.

Edit: Looks like the "glue on" bit is not included in this version.

meirschwartz

just go to their website.
http://www.qbaroo.com/quikcentercom/
i got the 4 piece kit for under $40, but it's out of stock now.
the site is not very friendly, but the owners are, so any email or phone call can answer any questions you might have.

cbracerx

That's a much better price. If only it was a available.