I recently just rebuilt my 350 engine for my 88 IROC. No frills were put into the engine - it was rebuilt stock. I had an exhaust leak before pulling the engine between the Ypipe and exhaust manifolds. I searched the forums and much to my dismay it appears there is no gasket to replace between the the exhaust manifold and Ypipe. From what I read, its just tightening up the bolts as much as possible but I am afraid the bolts on my exhaust manifolds will break or the threads will be ruined - they are pretty corroded. In the event of this happening, which headers would be best for a stock 350 engine? I was thinking the Hooker 2055s since a 1 3/4" primaries wouldn't be a noticeable improvement over 1 5/8" primaries on a stock 350? Any thoughts on headers or fixing the current exhaust leak? Thanks

You don't need 1 3/4 headers till you're over 400 hp or so.

I'd go with the Hooker 2055s, just be sure to get stage 8 locking bolts.

If all you're worried about is the bolts from y-pipe to manifolds breaking, replace the bolts (studs).

How easy is it to replace the studs? You have to drill them out right?

Not if they aren't broken already. Penetrating oil, heat, work them out. Install new.