Over the past few days, I've been putting my newly rebuilt heads back on my 170K shortblock. A couple of exhaust studs on the pass. side were broken when I pulled the heads, so I had them drilled out/helicoiled while they were at the shop and I installed some new studs. The drivers side studs were unbroken and appeared to be fine.

Well, I got both heads torqued on and began to install the drivers side manifold. Snugged five of the six nuts and then felt the sixth one start to give. We're talking barely twisting a short 3/8 rachet, about five foot pounds. Sure enough, the stud broke, no way to extract it with the head installed, so I had to pull it back off and take it to the machine shop. They were able to put it on their mill and perfectly drill it out, no helicoil needed.

Anyway, the point of this message is, do like I did before I reinstalled it... Slap the manifold on the head and torque down the nuts before wasting a $25 Victor head gasket!

I've got my mechanic mojo back and building up steam! Having fun putting this thing back together. Been sitting for five months now.

Nothing better than enjoying a tasty IPA while torqueing down your shiney, rebuilt heads!!!