Ok, everyone knows those two evil bolts that go down the outside and connect the intake and exhaust manifolds, right? Well, while working on getting my super six intake ready to install, I managed to break them like everyone else does. Unfortunately, as I started drilling them out, I didn't realize they were threaded; I thought the nut on the back side was what kept them tight. Now there is definetly no way they are going to be re-threaded. (I worked up to a 3/8" drill bit when drilling them out.) After looking at it, I don't see any reason i can't just get a couple of grade 8 bolts and put them through with nuts on the other end. Will this work, or am I missing something? (Note: I have an a/t, so I'm using the factory bracket that I will mount between the exhaust manifold and the nuts, which I think will help distribute the load a little.)

Mine is put together like you've suggested and I haven't had any problems.

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1980 Aspen 225 super six

Do it, but this time, see if you can find some stainless or brass nuts, because they won't rust on again. Also, do yourself a favor and add some anti-seize lubricant to the threads.

Jerry

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There's a difference between ignorance and stupidity.
Ignorance is not knowing any better.
Stupidity is knowing, yet doing it anyway.