i'm considering putting my original exhaust manifolds back on even though one has a slight hairline crack ive had the headers on for many many years and the problem is the head bolt with the stud to attach the heat shroud is not in there. I am wondering about just pulling just the one head bolt and replacing it with the studded bolt of course i'm thinking about head leakage warpage etc i hate to pull the entire head because i like leaving well enough alone. the head has been on for 25 years so it stuck on there pretty well...so what would some opinions be about doing this? has anyone r&r just one head bolt

 

Go for it! It wont be any problem to change out just one headbolt.

 

Maybe you want to get a manifold that isnt cracked since you are going thru the trouble of re-installing. I think they are reproduced?