Flex Pipe Exhaust Clamp Bolts (what grade or finish to use)

[Snowmobileaddict]

Can anyone comment on the grade or finish of the factory exhaust clamp bolts? The ones for the clamps that secure the flex pipes to the y-pipes.

I mangled a couple doing my exhaust tear down and would like to just go to the hardware store to pick up some that will fit the bill.

Are they a lower grade stainless? They get prett crusty but crappier grades of stainless can corrode over time. Or, are they a just a hardend steel bolt like a grade 5 or 8?

Luckily the only thing that was messed up was the clamp bolts. The y-pipes were in perfect shape.

I've got my exhaust torn down because I've invested in precious metal, just waiting on the arrival of my copper donuts to come in from Sledtoyz.com. Hopefully this will be the last time I have to have this exhaust apart.

Thanks!

 

[arteeex]

Higher grade (10.9) stainless screws should be fine and you may want to go with hex head vs. socket head screws. Also, use a high-temp, anti-seize compound on the threads when you reassemble the system. The compound will make future tear-downs a little easier so you'll be less likely to mangle the screws.