This setup has brand new RUNNERS, but the plenum is 2 years old.

Question 1- Are all SR runners and plenums interchangable, meaning, will the bolt holes of one plenum match the runner holes from another?

Question 2- Is it necessary to start the 4 center runner bolts first, you know the lower runner holes with the split in them?

I briefly mocked the assembly up last night, and it is very hard to get those 4 bolts started, even with using ALLEN-HEAD BOLTS.

Is the system designed with a little bit of binding, because it appears that the plenum to runner bolts don't all want to align correctly. Maybe I need to ensure that I provide more slack from the bottom bolts. Thanks for any replies provided, I will be playing with it more tonight, so I may answer these questions myself, but all help is accepted .

 

1- Yes...well they should anyway

2- Yes, start those lower 4 first, THEN place the runners on them. You'll see why they're slotted like that....it's a PITA to get those started if you do those last. Use a long ball end allen wrench to get to those...you shouldn't have to loosen the rocker arms if you do it that way.

I loosely threaded all the plenum and runner bolts together. Once all were in I tightened FIRST the runner to base allen bolts, and then the runner to plenum bolts last. I've had my plenum and runners off several times and this has worked best for me. I've read somewhere that you should chase the threads in the plenum with a tap to prevent stripping out the holes. I haven't done it, but it seems like a good idea, as the aluminum is kinda soft.

Hope that helps some.

 

Hey IROCZZ3, thanks for the helpful reply, I will do exactly what you suggested. I have a full tap and die set, so I will chase those plenum-to-runner holes. Thanks again

 

but what is "chasing with a tap" and how and why is it done?

 

It means just run a tap into the holes to clean the threads before the bolt goes in. Makes everything go together alot smoother.

 

88ss6speed.....You may already know this but be sure that you have the runners positioned on their correct side when attempting to bolt them to the plenum. They are not the same for both sides. There is a right side and a left side runner and if you get them mixed up, you may have a mismatch with them bolting to the plenum.

 

Are the runners labelled 'left' and 'right'?

 

No, but the EGR openings on the manifold are at a different angle on the left and right side and they match up to the openings on the runners.

 

My superram I have found to be super easy to install after doing it about 4 times.

Things I would buy if you don't have them now...

1. Snap-On M6 ball ended allen head wrench
2. Snap-On M6 3/8" drive socket
3. 1/4" Gear wrench
4. Tap & Die Set

Running a tap through every hole on the plenum made HUGE difference in install times. Before I struggled with a wrench to tighten all of those lower bolts, now they spin right up freely with my fingers and then I can tighten them with the wrench.

Also on my plenum the 4 large center runner to plenum holes have been drilled out and the threads tapped into the runners themselves. I can install the 4 bolts from inside the plenum. I use a lock washer and red loctite and have yet to see one even budge after installing this way.

Just make sure you plug in your EGR vacuum lines before putting hte plenum on and do not forget to plug in your MAT sensor too.

You will have to drop your fuel rails into place before you install your runners, but do not tighten them. Only tighten those after you have the runners tightened into place before you go to install the plenum.

Some people use a very light coating of RTV on the gasket surfaces, but I have not found that to be necessary. Plus if you don't use any you can use the gaskets over and over as long as you don't rip them. Added bonus when they are nearly $30 a set.