So the time has come to ditch the stock manifolds and put on a set of headers. Any good tricks or tips to getting these off easy? It is a Michigan truck so I will be dealing with rust. I really don't want to break off any bolts. Is this something I should try or should I just take it to a muffler/engine shop? Thanks guys
CK5
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Stock Manifold Removal
- Thread starter 91 Jimmy
- Start date
pauly383
Daddy383
Heat helps with rusty hardware . Some guys just soak with a penetrating oil , and give the bolts a good rap with a hammer after the soaking .
They cost more , but there are headers out there that will bolt right up to the factory exhaust , with a bung for the O2 sensor already on there .
But traditional headers aren't too hard to install with some cutting . And you can find a collector reducer with the O2 bung in it .
They cost more , but there are headers out there that will bolt right up to the factory exhaust , with a bung for the O2 sensor already on there .
But traditional headers aren't too hard to install with some cutting . And you can find a collector reducer with the O2 bung in it .
My stratage besides the penetrating oil is to put a wrench on there, and tap the end of the wrench with a hammer. Couple taps "tighter" direction, couple looser, couple tighter, etc. til you feel confident you can break it loose. AKA, more taps on the ones that are going to be harder to extract if i break them 
jones
1/2 ton status
bring your engine to operating temp.just prior to trying to break them loose.couple that with a 12"long 3/8 drive breaker bar and I've never had to use anything more.Well,almost never.I did have to cut the head off of one once(rounded off the bolt head),then after all the others were out,I pulled the manifold off over the remaining stud.Then I heated it with a torch,put a pipe wrench on it and got it out that way.Tapping a smaller socket onto the head works also.
Rust sucks,but it can be conquered.
Rust sucks,but it can be conquered.
I took an impact gun to mine and they all came out clean. I was surpised since my manifolds and bolts were pretty crusty
