need some advice on exhaust studs

[challenged72]

So, the 440 Im going to be dropping into my 72 is almost ready to go, but stupid me tried to fit my headers on and stripped the threads on some of the exhaust studs. I thought for sure they would fit beause they came from my original 440....

anyways advice on getting the old ones out would be great, the last thing I need is to destroy the heads. Also, for new studs whats the best way to install them and what type of silicone do you guys use.

Thanks for any info, this whole car has been a learning process 

[Chryco Psycho]

Heat , double nut the studs & turn them out that way or use a stud tool

[challenged72]

double nutted one stud and it stripped out the nut.. any suggestions?

[PlumCraZRT]

double nutted one stud and it stripped out the nut.. any suggestions?

Are you using Grade 8 (gold-colored) nuts?  Grade 2/5 (silver-colored) crap is a waste of money.

[Chryco Psycho]

there is a stud remover tool . it is a directional clamp that locks onto the stud & twists it out
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Lisle-71200-Stud-Remover-/400296515610?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item5d3388181a

[johannes]

Weld on the outside of an installed nut....the heat will help loosen the stud, and the weld prevent the nut comming off the stud.

I loosen the engine mounts, one at the time, and place a jack under the motor to tilt it ever so slightly,...when installing headers (when studs are used).... install the RHS first, as tilting towards the PowerSteering w/headers in place might require you to loosen the PS.
Nuts requiring 1/2" wrench are easier to install than nuts requiring 9/16"....
Also there are a LOT of ****ty exhaust gaskets on the marked.
I get mine cut out of same gasket material used as used for truck turbos....and I re-tighten the nuts after the first day of driving...
I'm also a big fan of installing some type of flexible joint in the exhast pipe.....
2.5" pipes do not flex much,...but the elephant engine will tilt quite a bit.....and a rigid exhast system transfers forces onto the headers...

[jimynick]

double nutted one stud and it stripped out the nut.. any suggestions?

When you put the 2 nuts on, check the phasing of the nuts, so that when they're tightening up you can crank them together so that the flats align and put the box end of the wrench over the 2 of them. I doubt you'll strip the both of them and if you DO, then you need to use a torch and heat the head where the stud goes into it. They're only 5/16'" studs and you can twist 'em off relatively easily. 

[challenged72]

Just an update, I ended up using "deep creep", its a seafoam product. Sprayed it on a few times and let it sit a few days, and they came out as smooth as butter 

Thanks for all of the info