is removing the intake manifold risky?

[Jeff Berk]

I just rebuilt one of the two SU''s on my '74 260z and really like how it looks after blasting the body with glass beads. I'd like to do the same with the intake manifold but wanted to get some input on how much trouble I''m asking for in removing the intake (i.e. what is the likelihood that I'm going to break something like a stud in removing it).  A local free access machine shop has a couple of blast cabinets available so it won't cost me anything. 

Note for those in NE Ohio, look up Sears ThinkBox at Case if you need to use machine shop tools, welders, etc. The only cost is materials and parking.

Jeff

Edited December 3, 2017 by Jeff Berk
added link

[Dave WM]

Personally removing a working part just for the sake of making it pretty is not a good idea, yes you can break something in the process. Now if its got a leaky manifold gasket, you have a reason. Or if you have a show car and want it to look perfect that's a reason. on my 280z the 1st and last stud on the manifold common bolts were both broken. the gasket had not yet started to leak but it would have with time. So are you asking for trouble, depends it may come right off no problem and it may not. No way to know for sure until you try. IF you try it may be a good idea to have some way of heating up bolt/nuts if they seem overly tight. Some PB blaster on the nuts would be a good idea as well. I still think its not a wise move to remove it for appearance sake alone.

[Jeff Berk]

Ok. Not worth the potential problem. 

[Dave WM]

36 minutes ago, Jeff Berk said:

Ok. Not worth the potential problem. 

IMHO, wait for a good reason.

Edited November 28, 2017 by Dave WM
clarity

[Reptoid Overlords]

Also those heat shields are a pain to get back on. You also run into the"while I'm in there I might as well get some MSD headers" scenario. That's the story of how it went from free to $600.

[siteunseen]

Do you use it during the winter?

I enjoy working on mine as much as driving it, maybe even more than driving.  I like beer, a lot. 

Bead blasting really makes things like new too.  Coat the fresh aluminum with Never Dull wadding polish for the carbs, high heat clear matte or satin on the intakes.  I'll post some pictures in the morning of how mine turned out.

[JSM]

Yeah wait. Granted different animal and the L6 is much easier to work on, but my 300zx I've been playing with I just keep going deeper and deeper down the rabit hole. 

I've got this Intake coolant hose that is under the plenum and I'm hoping I can replace it without having to remove the plenum but it is way down there. 

[7tooZ]

Jeff. My recommendation is do what you enjoy. If making it look pretty feels good then enjoy the process. There is very little real damage you can do. Broken studs can be removed.
If money or time is an issue then think twice for the reasons above.
Personally I have removed the intakes about ten times for one reason or another and only broke one stud I had to drill out. That cost me a nice new drill bit and a tap but I learned not to be scared of the process.
Personally I love the challenge and then the reward of having made the improvements.

Hey go for it there are lots of people here to help with any problems that come up.


Sent from my iPhone using Classic Zcar Club mobile

[sweatybetty]

6 hours ago, siteunseen said:

 

I enjoy working on mine as much as driving it, maybe even more than driving.  I like beer, a lot.

 

some of the best ideas (and worst) start with good beer

[siteunseen]

I can't find my intake pictures this morning, too many attachments to go through and not enough time.  here's an easy one that you can do if you haven't yet.

Before...

After...

[Jeff Berk]

I like that valve cover Siteunseen. Right now I have mine polished with Mother's. It's tempting to sand blast it to get that effect. Did you tape over the lettering or buff them out afterwards?

I decided to pull my intake and started the project tonight. I seem to be one of those that likes to tinker with cars as much or more that drive them.  I still have two bolts under the intake to remove that are difficult to get to. I found it odd that the lower bolts don't go through the flange but instead bolt to the block with wide washers that hold the lower flange against the engine. Nothing seemed overly tight so snapping off a stud or bolt is unlikely. 

Edited December 2, 2017 by Jeff Berk

[grannyknot]

8 hours ago, Jeff Berk said:

I decided to pull my intake and started the project tonight. I seem to be one of those that likes to tinker with cars as much or more that drive them

Atta boy, they're just nuts and bolts, nothing fear. Mind you, once you have made the carbs and intake shine like new the rest of the engine bay will look kinda sad,  it's a slippery slope.  As much as I love driving the Z I'd rather be tinkering too.