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!!
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.
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..
Depending on how long they have been on the engine means everything when it comes to removal. How long?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Well?
I guess they're still in the engine.
Good ol Covid - stopped me in my tracks. I was gonna do the swap this weekend but nope!!! Maybe next week.
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!
You installed new gaskets?
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.
I installed them all the time because I did not want to do it twice.
Not gonna argue with you on that!
You could find a local machine shop that could true them up, but gaskets are cheaper and last a long time.
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.