Pinch nut vs copper coated vs steel

[kscantrell]

I'm about to remove the (deformed) nuts from my exhaust/turbo flange and need to buy replacements. In either case, I'll be applying anti seize to the new nuts and posts. Which nuts do you recommend and why.

Also please cast your vote in the poll.

I'll eventually be replacing the turbo and so will use this information when purchasing the manifold nuts.

 

[P2B]

I always reuse the OE nuts, never had an issue getting them off - although sometimes the stud comes out instead. I have a bunch of nuts that came with new downpipes, they are copper colored but smaller. 11mm vs 13mm IIRC.

OE was not a choice so I didn't vote.

 

[kscantrell]

OE was not a choice so I didn't vote.

Apologies, that had been corrected. Also confirm, the OE are copper plated steel yes?

 

[P2B]

Also confirm, the OE are copper plated steel yes?

I assume so - copper colored but not soft like pure copper.

 

[Nuje]

My "OE" vote was working under the impression that it meant "same nuts that were there when I removed the downpipe".

 

[kscantrell]

My "OE" vote was working under the impression that it meant "same nuts that were there when I removed the downpipe".

Understood. From all that I've read, the OE nuts were copper plated steel.

 

[Nuje]

I'll just add that the OE replacements that I've picked up occasionally....look like they have the oblong (i.e., not perfectly circular) hole, which I took to be some form of "pinch nut" (or at least, somewhat self-locking).