Solution to my leaking exhaust....

[OH3MGSVT]

well everyone has been telling me i need some sort of insert where the header meets the X pipe on my car to fix the exhaust leak I have......well i was going through BBk's website and came across this statement about exhaust leaks on the drivers side: The piping itself is correct. For whatever reason, some Mustang models leave the factory with a different style header stud on the Driver side, one that has a "shoulder" on it. This shoulder interferes with the flange, not allowing it to come up all the way and seal against the manifold. There are a couple of things that can be done to correct this. Both solutions require the removal of the factory-supplied studs. Once this has been accomplished, you can either A) replace them with a shoulderless-style stud, or B) simply use a nut-and-bolt setup. This should let the flange to come up further unobstructed, allowing the pipe to seal adequately on that side, providing a leak-free fit.

so with that said.......what do i need to do to go about fixing that? not really sure what I need to buy/do

[BurnTire]

You need studs without a stop on them. I assume you are leaking on the drivers side. If you take a look at the factory studs you will see the have a stop (shoulder) on them. Sometimes this interferes with the flange and things will not seal up correctly. I attached a picture of my old studs. I attempted to grind the shoulder down some, but ended up going to auto zone to get different studs. You need studs without that extra material (shoulder) in the center.

[OH3MGSVT]

ahh I see, so I can just take that out and put in a regular nut and bolt instead?

[BurnTire]

ahh I see, so I can just take that out and put in a regular nut and bolt instead?

Take the studs out and go get a set of studs with the same threads without the shoulder in the middle. Autozone had a set that fit mine. Be sure to take the nuts when you looking for a set to test fit to the new studs.

[BurnTire]

You need a stud like this without the big shoulder in the middle.

[OH3MGSVT]

You need a stud like this without the big shoulder in the middle.

oh okay, sweet! that definitely helps me out. thanks for the help jeff !