Exhaust/int. manifold bolt holes and muffler advice

[hevymetl]

So I bought a new front pipe to replace old rusted one and while removing discovered the old exh manifold was cracked in several places and severely rusted. Ordered new one, installed, but discovered a couple of “soft” bolt holes thAt hold it on. What’s the best way to address this? Also, any advice on a good sounding muffler for this 250 6cyl, that’s readily available? P.O. had a canister looking one with a Toyota stamp on it. The ends are horribly disfigured from a crappy welding job and I’d just assume replace it.

Thanks, John.

[shp4man]

Not sure what soft bolt holes means- are they stripped?

[hevymetl]

Yes. Script. I can get them pretty tight but if I go past a certain point it strips. I have the ones in question as tight as they will go and the truck actually runs pretty good with 0 exhaust leaks. Obviously it's not right but will do for now I guess. Just wondering what the best course of action was to remedy that situation. I'm still on the fence as to whether I'm going to pull it and replace it with a V8 but for now I just want to drive it.

[vin63]

Are you referring to the threads in the cylinder head are stripped?

Regarding a muffler, check in with a local exhaust/muffler shop and they should be able to steer you in the right direction for what you are wanting. I went with some Walker mufflers (galv. coated inside and out) on my Tempest and Riviera restorations since i wanted something really quiet. I run Borla mufflers on my hot rods.

[Getter-Done]

If your going to swap the engine later these will repair your threads for awhile.
https://www.autozone.com/test-scan-a...tem/557090_0_0 This Is just a 3/8 x 16tpi example.
Make sure to get the correct size for your studs or bolts you are using. As I am not that familiar with a 6 cyl.
Also if you attempt this make sure not to drill any deeper than the hole already are. Best way to do that is to put a drill stop on your drill.
If you drill deeper your could hit a water jacket in the head.

[Getter-Done]

https://www.homedepot.com/p/General-...FQOEaQodsA0Gqg Here is the link for the drill stop. It din't work in my first post.

[Gargoyle]

I'll second the Walker mufflers (Dynomax), they have a nice tone while quieter than other mufflers.

[hevymetl]

Thank you guys for the replies. I ended up stopping at AutoZone on my way home yesterday just to see what they had. Ended up getting a small Thrush turbo muffler. It was cheap, $30, and in stock haha. Plus itcame with the cool angry woodpecker sticker. Actually sounds pretty good. Not too loud and way better than the Toyota cannister that was on there before. The thread repair kit looks like the temp fix I need right now. Def going to go get that. Thanks again.

[The Rocknrod]

I hear a heli-coil is stronger than the original hole. And that wood-pecker sticker? You need to send me that unit.