I will shortly be removing my exhaust manifolds and going to headers on my 84 Bird with the 305. Since the bolts have been in there over 2 decades, has anyone had any trouble trying to remove them when you switched to headers? Just trying to anticipate any potential problems before the happen. Thanks for any insights!
Brad

 

well im in the middle of my header intall, i just took of my driver side and they came out easy. i have a 1989 firebird L98 with 35k miles. my manifolds were all rust so were the bolts, she never saw ran or snow. good luck man

 

I would just expect the worst and assume you will bust your knuckles on a few of them. Seeing how you are in ohio chances are those bolts are comfy and won't feel like moving after living there for 20 years. Soak them in PB blaster numerous times days before you start to wrench. This will make things easier on you and you knuckles.

 

Make sure your wrench/socket fits tight, maybe use a 14 mm to get a better fit. Look for the little metal tabs that are bent over the bolt heads to keep them from unscrewing. Mine all came out and they really looked rough, guess GM used something on the threads to help this?

 

All mine came out pretty easy... but one snapped. Start taking them out with the motor just warm to the touch... it makes them a little looser. One snapped because I over tightened it last time I put it in.

 

I used some PB blaster on them a few days before I removed them. No problems at all. A few of them were loose already for me Never had any leaks so I never checked the bolts.

 

Thanks guys! I appreciate the heads-up on the bolts. I'll get out my trusty PB blaster and have at it the day before we tackle this. This is in anticipation of the engine swap to a 350 (delayed until next summer due to finances). Glad that stuff from the 305 will fit the 350! Again, thanks!
Brad

 

Just a follow-up. Thanks for the advice from all who replied. The header removal and install went well. I soaked everything in PB blaster 48 hours and 24 hours and again 12 hours before I tackled the project. It really helped as they came right out with minimal fuss. I appreciate Tom's advice on looking for the little metal tabs around the bolt heads. I couldn't figure out why my socket wouldn't go on some of the bolt heads... guess what was in the way? Thanks Tom and everyone who helped.
Now to get all the rest of the stuff I took off... back on! Can't wait to start it up!
Brad