dgjks6

So i had to remove the mufflers to replace the spark plugs. Since I live in Ohio I had to cult all the bolts to get the mufflers off. I replaced them with a variety of bolts from home depot including some grade 8 bolts. My place is to replace the bolts when I change the oil so I don't run into that again. So my question is what bolts do you guys use? Regular bolts? Stainless? Can I cut through grade 8 with a dremel if I need to?

Wayne Smith

Copper.

Petza914

When I installed my complete Fabspeed system, I replaced all of my exhaust hardware with stainless steel, including the header to block ones, using some marine grade anti-seize to isolate the stainless from the aluminum. I check them every oil change and no loosening has occurred over the course of 3 years. You can see many of them in this photo. I've pulled the Drivers's Side header about a year and a half ago to do the waterpump and thermostat, and everything came apart without any issues.

3Series

So my question is what bolts do you guys use?

Mine were just replaced with overpriced Porsche bolts. I had my headers and cat replaced and the mechanic just ordered all the parts from the diagram.

With that said, I did my plugs and coils with another member on here and we put some anti seize on the bolts. Makes a lot of sense and I have it on my muffler clamps and some other bolts. I'll be applying some on the new bolts. It forms a nice coating on the bolt/nut and hopefully keeps water from reaching it and rusting it.

Can I cut through grade 8 with a dremel if I need to?
No idea.

mbatarga

How susceptible is that oil drain valve to being sheared off on a speedbump?

Petza914

Seemed pretty likely, which is why it's not there anymore (replaced with an LN one), but the newer pictures didn't show the stainless bolts very well, especially with the LN skid plate.




it sure made oil changes clean and easy though.

platinum997

Wow.. you have a nice undercarriage

Petza914

Thanks

docdrs

Stainless

OKB

go to porsche and buy the original bolts
PS I think they are 10

Petza914

The original bolts will just rust again like they did the first time - I say upgrade while you have the chance.

dan!

Haven't had to replace any bolts on my car yet, but when I do they will all be stainless steel (and good, high quality SS). It's always killed me to see what auto supply stores and dealers charge for bolts:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Inf...=Y&SVSVSI=.htm
($5.25 per bolt...am I reading that right?)

Versus this equivalent bolt:

https://www.mcmaster.com/#91287a154
($0.43 per bolt)

And don't get me started on Home Depot. All that hardware is rubbish. Get stuff from McMaster - happy to help pick out parts if wanted.

BER

+1 for McMaster-Carr.

High quality "Made in USA" hardware & tools; I've been using them for many years.

dgjks6

Doing more research I read that stainless bolts don't tolerate the heat and stick together, brass nuts strip, and regular nuts rust. Seems kind of like an oil debate.

BER

When I updated the exhaust system on my old 911, I used SS hardware and copper anti-seize. That was 10+ years ago and they are still easily removed. I got the SS nuts, bolts and washers from McMaster.