hi, im haveing a problem unbolting the last screw on the exahast manifold on the passanger side near the firewall. i have an 89 trans am GTA 5.7L TPI. i have the intake off, and the valve covers. the A/C assembly seems to be blocking the last two screws though. i managed to get one off but the last one is impossible. i took the canister off, but that big "bump" on the firewall that is behind the canister is whats my problem. i cant seem to get the thing off. i took all the screws off and it seems there is still one or two more holding it on near the bottom. i have spent nearly 2 hours just looking for these hidden screws but i cant find them. if anyone here has valuable info on this problem i would really appreciate some help.

 

you shouldn't have any access problems with the correct tools, swivel socket, long handle wrench, wobble extensions, or flex head ratchets. you shouldn't be needing to remove any of the Ac related parts to get at the manifold bolts.

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ICON Motorsports
1st & 3rd
MM Black Diamond 538 F&AM

 

how do you figure? the a/c equipment is totaly in my way. i have alot of special tools for this kind of job and the thing is, there just isnt enough room to turn a wrench or rachet without removeing the A/C stuff. everyone else i have talked to has said the whole A/C set up has to be removed in order to remove the exahast manifold. the bolt is rusted on and i need to remove some stuff in order to put some muscle into it. there is just no room unless i remove the A/C. if its this hard to take it off i can just imagine how hard its gona be to put it back together...

 

hey man i've been there. to get to the last two bolts raise and support the vehicle and then get the bolts through the bottom. it will be much easier believe me.

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88' IROC-Z, 350 TPI, 700-R4

 

actually its easiest when you disconnect the air tubes and get the last one with a 9/16 box end. I know a box end takes forever but its the only way I can get mine out.
good luck man I sympathize also.

 

ok i got the last two bolts off. but i realize now that their is an extra set of head gasket screws right under the exahast runners. do i have to remove the bracket holding the a/c pump (that the belt goes around) in order to get the heads off? or is it a good idea? re-assembly is gona be real tough now that ive screwed with my a/c system. is there anything special that i have to do to remove the drivers side heads? and how much is a set of head gaskets and valve cover gaskets gona cost me in canadian dollars?

 

Ok, did you know that there is a certain order to remove cylinder head bolts to avoid warping the head? Well, removing them isn't too bad but you should definitely get a Haynes manual to tell you how to put them back on.

BTW, take your heads to Ron and Ron's machine shop to get the heads checked out. They're good guys.