Replacing Exhaust Manifold?

[CaptHamster]

Hey guys!

Well, the Z is slowly coming together...no new pics since nothing has changed much but today we did some tuning up, adjusted the timing (which surprisingly wasn't off by all that much!) and syncing up the carbs. Next comes the valve adjustment, but after that, our big project starts...

I found and bought a sweet original exhaust manifold (and got a great deal on it too!) from a good guy on the classifieds. So that means we'll be replacing our exhaust manifold...now, I'm not terribly familiar with removing things and how to go about doing that, so I would seriously appreciate some tips or help on how that process would go. I know we'll have to remove the intake manifold, but is that as simple as unhooking fuel lines, unbolting it, and pulling it off? Or do we have to remove the carbs, then the manifold? Also, is the exhaust manifold gasket reusable? Anything else I should consider while that's being done?

Any tips and help would be greatly appreciated!!

[ajmcforester]

Well your going to retune your carbs after this. I'd start by soaking the fasteners in penetrating oil spraying them every day for a week or until the weekend. Meanwhile order the new gaskets. You will want to take the intake manifold off the gasket is one and you don't want to mess with a bad seal so replace the gasket. With the intake off it will make it easier to get the fasteres louse, take your time with them or you will brake a stud or a bolt. If it is cruddy remember the back the threads back and forth, and keep them lubed. Also use some Anti-sees it will help next time you need to take something off.

[CaptHamster]

A carb retune is definitely in the works anyway. So I'll order some gaskets as soon as I can, I'm sure they're cheap. Now does that mean I can remove the intake manifold with the carbs still attached or do I have to remove the carbs as well? The less we have to take off, the better!

[ajmcforester]

You can remove with carbs on.

[bluezcrazy]

You may want to be prepared to replace all the mounting studs and nuts. Chances are they are going to be pretty rusty from getting so hot from the exhaust manifold. So I would check in whatever hardware store you prefer and see if they carry Metric Studs, lock washers, and nuts. Then when you get the car apart you can take one of your old nuts, and studs in to check which ones you need. Good luck.

Bryce

[FastWoman]

^^^ Yeah, replace them all. If you don't get the corroded studs out now, you'll probably have to drill them the next time. (Well, at least that was my experience.)

MSA sells a nice stud, nut, and bolt set for the Z.

It's at least sometimes not an easy job. Plan on snapping 2 or 3 studs and probably removing them with heat, lots of PBlaster and vice grips. Use nickel anti-sieze on the hardware when you reinstall.