Header swap begins.

[hey mister]

I've been planning the header project for a few months now.
I've been spraying PB Blaster on the manifold bolts on and off for a few weeks. They are original. Yea, it smokes for a couple miles and stinks, but it has paid off. Using only a Ridgid sub compact 3/8" electric impact driver, all 12 spun right off on the #2 of 4 power setting. No problemo.
Flange bolts will be tomorrow.
But there may be a snafu.
Between the spark plugs and the manifold is a thin sheet metal heat shield. 2 on each side. With the manifold loose, they are not. I can not see under them to see if something is holding them on the block, but they feel/act like they are attached. Taking the manifolds off without removing them is not going to happen.
After looking thru all 4 of my manuals, I can find no reference to them.
So the question for the collective is this:
Are they attached to the block?
How do they get removed?
Thanks guys for the replies.

 

[PrairieDrifter]

I've been planning the header project for a few months now.
I've been spraying PB Blaster on the manifold bolts on and off for a few weeks. They are original. Yea, it smokes for a couple miles and stinks, but it has paid off. Using only a Ridgid sub compact 3/8" electric impact driver, all 12 spun right off on the #2 of 4 power setting. No problemo.
Flange bolts will be tomorrow.
But there may be a snafu.
Between the spark plugs and the manifold is a thin sheet metal heat shield. 2 on each side. With the manifold loose, they are not. I can not see under them to see if something is holding them on the block, but they feel/act like they are attached. Taking the manifolds off without removing them is not going to happen.
After looking thru all 4 of my manuals, I can find no reference to them.
So the question for the collective is this:
Are they attached to the block?
How do they get removed?
Thanks guys for the replies.

They are attached just above the pan rail. With I believe one bolt per shield. Maybe two.

There are different versions, some mounted to the manifold bolts.

 

[hey mister]

They are attached just above the pan rail. With I believe one bolt per shield. Maybe two.

There are different versions, some mounted to the manifold bolts.

Thank you for your reply.
In the dark, I just crawled under with a light and sure enuf I found the 2 bolts that holds each one in place.

How in the heck does one get a wrench in there?
It looks like I have remove motor mounts and a starter to get to them.
Tell me there's a secret to getting them out...please.

 

[SquareRoot]

What makes you think the manifolds won't come off with them attached?

 

[PrairieDrifter]

Thank you for your reply.
In the dark, I just crawled under with a light and sure enuf I found the 2 bolts that holds each one in place.

How in the heck does one get a wrench in there?
It looks like I have remove motor mounts and a starter to get to them.
Tell me there's a secret to getting them out...please.

Just bend them. No one uses those things anymore. Most of them were long gone by the 90's already. Either get a stubby flex head in there, or a flex head ratcheting wrench.

 

[hey mister]

What makes you think the manifolds won't come off with them attached?

The frame rail keeps the manifold from being pulled away from the block and the shield keeps them from moving up or down.
I've tried to move the manifolds, they are trapped in place.

 

[hey mister]

Just bend them. No one uses those things anymore. Most of them were long gone by the 90's already. Either get a stubby flex head in there, or a flex head ratcheting wrench.

Ahh, brute force.
Ok.
My thoughts were to not destroy them, but if I want the manifolds off there may not be a choice short of pulling the motor....let's not do that.

 

[PrairieDrifter]

Ahh, brute force.
Ok.
My thoughts were to not destroy them, but if I want the manifolds off there may not be a choice short of pulling the motor....let's not do that.

You can try and fight em from underneath. But that's your choice.

 

[hey mister]

After sleeping on it, knuckles reminded me of just how big of a pain in the joint those sharp shields are. I will not miss them.

 

[hey mister]

Next question:
My power steering pump has a top bracket which shares a bolt with the #1 manifold exhaust port.
I know I need much shorter bolts for the headers. Is there a specific bolt for that PS bracket?
Or is "fudge-it" the norm?
Thanks again, guys.

 

[legopnuematic]

Pretty standard is making a spacer, either make a solid spacer from some tubing or pipe, or make a stack of washers/nuts

 

[idahovette]

The sleeves on the front disc brake calipers are just about the right size??

 

[PrairieDrifter]

Make a spacer. Dont hack the bracket. Then you can use the old bolt length for that hole.

 

[Catbox]

I think we used a socket for that spacer.
Same on my old Nova.

If it works, it can't be that dumb.

 

[hey mister]

I think we used a socket for that spacer.
Same on my old Nova.

If it works, it can't be that dumb.

ROFL....
That's hilarious...