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In reply to 93celicaGT2: nope, 6 total, three per grouping of two cylinders you can see the heat shield in the center of the photo, and the two gaskets stacked inside the valve cover gasket. in their defense though, there is a support bracket that comes off the block to help things, but it complicates removal and usually doesn't get put back on after the first time the manifold comes off..
I've actually run my Fazda BPT with no center stud for several years with no issues. I think I've been lucky. Other cars that I HAVEN'T piss-pounded have studs snapping just because I looked at them funny.
Other than the welding method, the best tool I've found for extracting studs from aluminum heads:
$7.99 at Harbor Freight. LEFT handed drill bits. They work amazingly, even if they ARE from HF.
I have the best luck with an (air powered) 90° drill. helps you get into those tight places. I put tape around the bit to make sure you don't go through a water jacket or something.
USE a center punch to mark your spot to drill. Start small, and work your way up through the sizes. If you do it right, when enough material is removed from the center, the pressure isn't as great on the threads, and the drill bit just unscrews the stud for you.
before:
proof that broken-off studs are EVIL:
lots of penetrating oil and/or heat will also work. I really like the welding method, but if things are broken too far below the surface, you've got to try other things. And as mentioned, put PLENTY of anti-sieze lubricant on when you put the new ones in.
Strizzo wrote:In reply to 93celicaGT2: nope, 6 total, three per grouping of two cylinders you can see the heat shield in the center of the photo, and the two gaskets stacked inside the valve cover gasket. in their defense though, there is a support bracket that comes off the block to help things, but it complicates removal and usually doesn't get put back on after the first time the manifold comes off..
Hrm. I'm going to have to check mine again. I could have sworn i took off 8.
And i have no brace. Doesn't work with my turbo. 
The head is only 10k miles old, though, so everything comes off/out of it pretty easily. 
