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  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-

Stainless Exhaust Flange Hardware

  • Thread starter Thread starter AUSTEXLX
  • Start date Start date Feb 10, 2021
A

AUSTEXLX

Active Member
Feb 1, 2021
104
28
38
Austin, TX
Feb 10, 2021
#1
  • Feb 10, 2021
  • #1
I'm about to get under the car and clean up some items. Does anyone know of stainless exhaust flange bolts for a 1990 5.0 exhaust system? I'd rather not replace what's under there with other hardware that will potentially rust.
 

7991LXnSHO

wanna catch the space herp
10 Year Member
Sep 1, 2010
7,387
2,745
194
Kearney, NE
Feb 10, 2021
#2
  • Feb 10, 2021
  • #2
Can you match it up at the hardware store? Ace usually has a spin display rack with shiny stainless, and regular stainless fasteners in the fastener isle.
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,249
17,932
224
Massachusetts
Feb 10, 2021
#3
  • Feb 10, 2021
  • #3
Headers use all different types of hardware, so there is no universal kit. We don't know the bolt/stud sizes for your headers, so you'll need to do the legwork. Some use stud, and some use thru-bolts. You can either match up at your local hardware store, or pick some off McMaster-Carr that match your existing hardware
 
A

AUSTEXLX

Active Member
Feb 1, 2021
104
28
38
Austin, TX
Feb 10, 2021
#4
  • Feb 10, 2021
  • #4
7991LXnSHO said:
Can you match it up at the hardware store? Ace usually has a spin display rack with shiny stainless, and regular stainless fasteners in the fastener isle
Click to expand...

That's a good suggestion. I tend to think that automotive hardware and home hardware are made to different standards and not all grades are suitable for automotive use.
Mustang5L5 said:
Headers use all different types of hardware, so there is no universal kit. We don't know the bolt/stud sizes for your headers, so you'll need to do the legwork. Some use stud, and some use thru-bolts. You can either match up at your local hardware store, or pick some off McMaster-Carr that match your existing hardware
Click to expand...

In my case, I'm only looking for the under car flange hardware. Thanks!
 

7991LXnSHO

wanna catch the space herp
10 Year Member
Sep 1, 2010
7,387
2,745
194
Kearney, NE
Feb 10, 2021
#5
  • Feb 10, 2021
  • #5
It appears most stainless fasteners are more concerned with corrosion than strength. Most appear to be between a grade 2 and grade 5 equivalent.

Bolt Depot - Bolt Grade Markings and Strength Chart

www.boltdepot.com
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,249
17,932
224
Massachusetts
Feb 10, 2021
#6
  • Feb 10, 2021
  • #6
You don’t want stainless anyway. Not for exhaust hardware on the piping. It has higher thermal expansion and after many heat cycles it will basically weld itself.

I actually see a lot of guys use mild steel bolts with brass nuts. The soft brass allows being able to remove it in the future
 
Reactions: a91what and 7991LXnSHO

nickyb

I gotta say i never painted my nuts, Never Ever
15 Year Member
Apr 3, 2009
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nevada
Feb 10, 2021
#7
  • Feb 10, 2021
  • #7
Brass nuts,yeah I got em
 
Reactions: General karthief
M

Mr.egg

Member
Jan 21, 2021
4
1
13
L.A
Feb 10, 2021
#8
  • Feb 10, 2021
  • #8
You need some special tools to replace rusted stainless exhaust flange bolts. Find a repair shop if you don't have them
 
D

Deleted member 215073

Feb 10, 2021
#9
  • Feb 10, 2021
  • #9
Why not just use anti seize?
 
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