Just a quick question: What size Torx (Star) Bit is the 6 bolts that bolts the intake to the heads? I thought it was a T-45 but, the T-45 bit started twisting and then snapped in one of the intake bolts. These SOBs are on really tight and I'm sure being 35 years old doesn't help either. I can't heat them in fear of starting a fire, and I haven't found a lubricating spray that'll work.

 

Are you working on a Chevy or the Ram in your profile?

T45 is typical for a 3/8-16 bolt used on TPI manifolds. If you're working on the Ram, look closely at the bolt socket. Make sure it isn't an TP45 or IP45 (Torx Plus).

 

I would be on the Ram forums if I was working on my truck.
I would have not said 35 years old if it was my truck, my truck is almost half the age of my Z.

 

Buy a quality set of torx bits. Use the largest size that fits tight. Clean out the socket in the bolt, press the bit in until it bottoms out. If it gets tight before it bottoms, try the next size smaller or tap it in with a hammer until it's fully seated. Use a 3/8-1/2 adapter and a nice long breaker bar. If they are truly stuck, don't keep tugging or pushing on the breaker bar or they'll strip, or you'll break the bit. Use a rubber mallet to strike the breaker, or an impact wrench to shock the bolts loose.

 

T45 is really sloppy in the bolt, that's why I'm thinking it's a T47. I can get one through Amazon, but that has to wait for next paycheck. We'll find out when I get it.

 

Rent the torx bit set

 

Actually, my answer was factual. Not rude, condescending, abrupt, hurtful, terse, mean spirited, angry, snobby or snobbish, arrogant or conceded. How everyone reads it, is how they look at responses. If they think that I wrote it that way, then they clearly must think that everyone talks that way to them.

 

Terse - adj. Brief and to the point; effectively concise.

I didn't get the impression anyone one took offense.

 

I just pulled a complete TPI setup from my 88 parts car. Intake to head bolts were T45. Definitely on tight. I used an electric impact gun and had no trouble spinning them off. A few bolts needed the crud picked out of them to fully seat the bit.

Good luck!