Glenn, what is the tq # for those bolts? i read for the newer ones its 34 ft/lbs, same for the 98-02? TIA! and yes, i'll have an ATS 3 piece ordered in 2 weeks. my egt probe is leaking so im going w/ the ATS which is already ready for it!

1 more quick question for you guys, should i loc-tite the manifold bolts? my #6 top bolt doesnt want to stay in without it! so i put some one that one, but that one only ... i check them whenever i stop

 

Exhaust Manifold calls for 32 ft lbs. I doubt Locktite will do much good as if I recall correctly it is removed with heat- re-reading your post it looks like it worked for you though. One thing we always used to use on the big Cummins was Never Seize or other anti-seize compound on anything that had a chance of rusting or heating together and breaking later. Since exhaust manifold bolts are subject to heat extremes and want to loosen anyway it may not be a good idea unless you have a problem.

No matter what, I use it on slightly damaged threads if I have to re-use them for some reason. Sometimes all it takes is one or two turns on a damaged thread to weld it into the hole and tear all of the threads out requiring a Heli-coil or some other repair. Never Seize will nearly always stop that.

You will like the ATS. You may need to cut off the short end of an Allen wrench to tighten the 4 Allen head screws they supply in the center - it's a pretty tight fit. There are 2 stud holes to drill in the turbo and bolts go in. Very easy though - you are just removing the thread portion.

I also used the pyro hole in the ATS - nice to have that feature.

The ATS comes assembled - a snug fit of the 3 pieces. It may need a tap with a mallet at the joints to adjust to your head manifold bolt holes , but is no problem.

 

Cool! thanks for the great info!

 

My pleasure.