Swapping out header bolts
 

So my new 2010 SS that I just bought the headers are mounted with bolts. They're pretty rusty and I'm thinking about replacing them. Question, should I attempt to remove them hot engine or cold? None broken yet but you know how that goes. Also thinking I'll put studs with nuts in place of the bolts. Mauling around whether to use deep brass nuts or stainless? What do you guys think?

PB Blaster them.

I have never seen much of a difference removing those bolts whether hot or cold.

I think you should leave the stock bolts in there. I don't see any reason or benefits to changing them unless it's purely aesthetic

Thanks for the replies,
I've actually swapped my headers twice since I posted the original question.
I used ARP header bolts and they are holding up much better than the ones that came with the headers.