Toilets, Sinks, Showers, Tubs and Disposals - toilet flange

I'm doing a whole bath remodel and am about to tile the floor. Subfloor is 1.5 inch mud on wire lathe. I've bought a new flange because the old one looks really skanky and the old bolts are rusted shut (had to break bowl to remove it). I planned to install the new flange on what I think is lead pipe (house built in 1950's) and install new wax seal and toilet. Should I just snap off and replace the brass bolts and not mess with the flange? I’m not even sure how the old flange is attached to the pipe, but I know it’s on good. The new flange I bought is metal (maybe steel) painted black, It’s not brass….should I get a brass one? The old flange is about ¼ inch above the sub-floor and the floor tile I will install is about ¼ inch thick…will there be a problem? Should I tile first and then do the flange change out? How close to the flange should I tile up to? I’ve changed toilets and wax rings before but never the flange. HELP!!! If I don’t finish this bathroom soon my wife will stick my head in the pipe, then the flange replacement point will be moot! :eek:

If the old flange doesn't leak and is not broken, I would leave it. You could be opening a can of worms if the pipe is lead. The flange being level with the floor will not be a problem. The wax seal will still seal the toilet and flange. Good luck.