CRG Discussion Forum
Camaro Research Group Discussion => Maintenance => Topic started by: camaronut on October 02, 2022, 04:49:23 PM
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Looking to remove my stock exhaust manifolds in my SS 350.. any pointers before I tackle this? Looks like the passenger side is a breeze, but the drivers side looks a bit more of a pita.
Appreciate any real world experience on this…. thanks!!
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Piece of cake and self explanatory. Just unbolt what is required. Only been doing this 45 years. If you own a classic the simple things should be no problem.
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Looks a little dicey on the drivers side, didn’t know if I had to remove the temp sensor or not. Then I’d have to empty the coolant. Just bs like that..
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Depending on how long they have been on the engine means everything when it comes to removal. How long?
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Hey Dave!!! Maybe for 15 yrs or so. It s/b easy- just wanted to know if there were any hiccups that could get in the way.
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Sorry I didn’t see this reply sooner. Yes there are. The bolts could be seized in the head and could snap off if you hammer them with an impact gun. I typically apply a ton of PB Blaster a few times and allow it to soak for a day. Always use a 6 point socket. Always. Slowly attempt to free them up. Feel free to PM me.
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I don’t think I’ll need an impact gun on this one… bolts are pretty clean - hell - the car goes nowhere. But I’m pretty sure they’ll come out easy - at least I hope so.
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Best to apply some free me up stuff. I actually loosen them up a little-each one-and then spray lube between the manifold and block to allow it to creep up the threads. Then if they’re tight I work them back and forth. But if they’re loose, I just take out the middles first. Use an air ratchet.
Going back in-I clean the threads on a wire wheel and apply anti seize on the threads. Use a torque wrench. Upload a picture or 2.
Looks like the passenger side is a breeze-Famous last words.
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Well?
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I guess they’re still in the engine.
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Good ol Covid - stopped me in my tracks. I was gonna do the swap this weekend but nope!!! Maybe next week.
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Performed the swap - no problems --- Until I started the car and heard exhaust popping from the passenger side - middle-two exhaust where the manifold meets the head. Pulled it off again, and I didn't notice (total stupidity on my part) that the exhaust manifold surface where it meets the head was not totally flat - iow, had rust pits and it wouldn't seal up real nice. :(
Now what!....LOL!
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You installed new gaskets?
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Never installed gaskets because GM never used them initially. I could try that, but I'm just going to repaint / reinstall the one that I took off. It's in good shape.
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I installed them all the time because I did not want to do it twice.
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Not gonna argue with you on that!
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You could find a local machine shop that could true them up, but gaskets are cheaper and last a long time.
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I "trued up" the manifold surfaces with a large aluminum block for flatness and 320 grit sandpaper. Goth them really nice and flat. Reinstalled it yesterday (hell - I got this "down-pat") and it worked great - no leaks - perfect.
So - to end this thread on a positive note, the manifolds can be removed easily - the drivers side takes a little finagling - the passenger side is a breeze.