I'll give it a try this afternoon and see. Hopefully this should be the last hurdle before starting the car.

 

As a side issue, I am trying to remove the RHS manifold. All the bolts are undone and it moves up and down but wont go sideways as it appears to be hitting "something". The steering column is close but not hitting it. Can't get it to move out 1mm. any ideas?

 

Have you unbolted it from the bottom of the exhaust as well?

 

It could just be gasket crap holding it on, maybe try gently tapping a flat tip screw driver to pry it off?

 

How did you end up going Stuie, did you get yours sorted in the end ?

 

Oh the journey I've been through....

But yess all finally sorted.
My last hurdle is getting the 3 bolts on the header flange tightened at the same time as bolting the extractors to the heads at the same time as slipping the steering shaft on, at the same time as putting the spark plugs in, but it all fits without hitting anything.

I even managed to get the truck serpentine brackets modified enough to work and clear




Now onto starter wiring, fuel pump wiring, PCM power wiring, gauge wiring, PCM flashing, then maybe car starting