problem solved. sorry for the incorrect terminology.

 

I'm lost here - there are no studs on the manifolds. There are studs in the heads that hold the manifolds in place, and there might be one on the pass side, 1st or 2nd stud that is longer to hold a brace from the A/C compressor. If you are missing studs on the heads for the exhaust manifold to attach to, for $5000 you could get really really nice very powerful heads.

1st thing - restate the problem again, try to use the right terminology as there is nothing about manifold studs that have anything much to do with A/C.

2nd - try to get us a pic of what you are talking about.

Sounds like you are trying to take the ac/heater box off the firewall, but I have no idea what that has to do with any manifold, so again I'm totally lost.

3rd - find another shop - there is absolutely NOTHING on a 3rd gen Camaro/Firebird that should cost $5000 to repair. New aftermarket motors rated at 4 times the stock horsepower don't cost $5000, so whoever you spoke with is trying to rip you off bigtime. Hell, the whole car in mint condition isn't worth $5000 - I could replace your car for under $3k in a week!

 

Scrapyard? I'll come give you $100 for it..