I was under the car installing a RE short shifter this past weekend and decided to re-torque the bolts for my exhaust. In doing so I noticed one of the two nuts connecting my cats to the cat back was hanging on by a thread (pun intended). I removed it to center the stud and couldn't get the nut to thread back on so I've got a few questions:

1. Does the stock exhaust use a stud with two nuts to secure the cats to the y-pipe or does it use a conventional nut and bolt? I suspect the stud is welded into the cat, so that leads to my second and third questions:

2. Which is better to use (stud w/2nuts or bolt and nut) and where can I find a nice aftermarket stainless set?

3. What size do I need?

This is what is in there now 'cept mine are rusty, old and stripped and have different threads (narrow/wide) on either side:



My mechanic must have just grabbed whatever he had laying around, which in this case looks like something for a header install. I'm also a bit surprised Borla doesn't ship new stainless pieces especially if the stockers aren't reusable.

Thanks for the help.

 

stock Y pipe uses stud and nuts and the stud are connected to the Ypipe. i personally prefer bolts and nuts myself. i would go to a local muffler shop and see if they got my size.

 

Good idea...I have an exhaust shop across the street. I can go hit them up for some bolts and expertise.