Have some rusty studs, with one nut rusted to a stud.
Going to replace all four studs. Do I need to replace with the exact same kind? By this, I mean, do I need to have a "middle shank" of ~ 7mm or can I replace with a fully threaded (socket cap) stud?
Also, any sources other than the dealer?
The only thing that you have to watch out for with a fully threaded stud is installing too deep in the head and damaging the heads or having the stud stick because it's bottomed.
Also, can't be too tall poking out of the block, otherwise you'll have clearance issues trying to fit the exhaust components, on the studs inside the exhaust bend. Trust me, I know ;)
I ended up replacing with OEM, using plenty of anti seize.
Another vote for oem. You might be able to find generic studs from an industrial supply but you will probably need to buy a bag of them. I doubt there is any cost savings worth the trouble so if it were mine I would order up some oem parts.
I was not aware that Nichols sold exhaust studs, only cylinder studs.