The Heli-Coil is the best solution.  Since it is stainless, you won't have a
problem again.  Also resists cross threading much better than the aluminum.

Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: John Anderson <vwbus@MINDSPRING.COM>
To: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM <Vanagon@VANAGON.COM>
Date: Saturday, March 07, 1998 12:15 AM
Subject: Re: different exhaust Q? studs or bolts?

>>I believe VW also makes a special stud which is oversized on one end only
>>so the head can just be tapped out to a larger size.
>>
>
>John is right, factory 9mm/8mm stud is cheap and available, the killer is
>finding that M9x1.5 tap, or any M9 tap for that matter.  On the rear of the
>engine, you can typically get enough off to put a drill up there and drill
>for a helecoil, which is M10 OD, M8 ID plus if it is stripped in a bolt not
>stud location, you'll need to do this anyway.  A right angle drill or right
>angle drill attachment, or a stubby drill can really help in any case.
>
>John
>vwbus@mindspring.com
>