Coyote guys - exhaust head studs? or bolts?

[Rian_Colorado]

Hello all -

My Boig headers are at the coating shop getting Ceracote, but I took a look today at the install procedure for the headers with the exhaust that I bought from FF. My motor (gen3 coyote) came from Mike Forte with the exhaust studs installed in it. The FF setup has bolts in the kit - so I'm assuming that they intend for the exhaust to be installed with the provided bolts? Has everyone been able to get their headers installed with the studs in the block? Or have most folks removed the studs and used bolts? I was able to get the pass side CLOSE, but I couldn't see a way to get them in...... I don't want to really start cranking on things in that tight of an area if I don't have to. I would love to use the studs, as it limits worrying about issues with the threads in the block - but I'm a worrier, and it's probably not that big of a deal.....

Would have been nice to know this before the motor was in the car though! It's gonna be fun getting them out if that's the requirement.....

Thanks for all input!
Rian

[John Thuman]

I used a locking bolt kit I bought from Summit Racing. It locks the header bolt, small head, with a tab and a circlip. It will not back out with these locks on the bolts. If you want to run what is already in the block I would suggest copper based locking nuts.
Gen 3 Coyote with stainless headers from FFR.

[edwardb]

Nothing wrong with using the studs if you can get the headers installed over the studs once the engine is installed. They stick out pretty far, so may/may not be possible. For the Roadster, it wasn't possible. Especially on the very tight driver's side. So pretty much became standard practice to remove the studs and use bolts. The Coupe has more room, so it may be possible to leave the studs in. But once you start positioning the engine if they need to be removed it's going to be a real pain. FWIW, on my Coyote powered Coupe I took the studs out and replaced with bolts for my Gas-N headers. Made sure to use bolts as long as possible to maximize the threads on the aluminum heads. Hasn't been an issue at all.

[DW66]

I have a Gen 1 Coyote that came out of a 2013 Mustang. I'm using FFR headers. I cut down the original studs as short as possible and was able to get the headers on after engine was installed. I didn't think it was that bad.

[wallace18]

I used the studs. On the drivers side I removed some of the studs then install gaskets and header then reinstalled studs with factory lock nuts.

[Jryasko]

Gen 3 Coyote in a Roadster, FFR headers. Stage 8 locking bolts 2k miles no issues