OK, call me stupid... but I live in Japan, and parts is hard to come by... Here we go with the story... please stick with me. I spun a bearing in my L98 and left the car sit for a while. I developed a plan to get it rebuilt with my limited resources. During the plan, I went to a government auction here and bought an 88 1 ton truck with a 350 in it ($350!). Drove it to the shop and pulled the motor. It is a 4 bolt (non-forged crank) non-roller, so I plan on putting the old cam in. Back when me and my buddy tore the old IROC motor apart, we were planning on dropping it right in... but, that didn't happen. Anyways, I was wondering if anyone knows where the bolts go in the TPI runners/plen/intake. There are 4 different lengths and I really don't want to break anything. I did a brief search, but didn't find any good pics or specifics. Thanks for your help! Also, I may be asking some vacuum and wiring questions later on... I have a mess!

 

The shortest go into the plenum, and top of the runners. The longest 4 go into the center holes on the bottom of the runners. There will be 2 second-to-longest, and they go into the rear holes at the front and back of each runner; one per runner. The almost-shortest go into the rest of the lower runner holes. So you'll need 8+2+8+2=20?

 

I thought the Shortest go up top, The longer ones go on the bottom, and the middle length go on the INSIDE on the runners. Dont forget there are bolts that go on the inside.

 

whats an iroc doing in japan? lol
sorry for the ireevant post i just cant help it im curious.

 

I just spent a couple days installing new injectors Bosch Ford D9B 22.5 in my 92 L98. It goes a little easier if you put the two long bolts into the intake runners prior to sliding them in place. You will need to tighten down the back driver side (the one under the plenum) bolt first (just bhind the fuel pressure regulator that is nearly impossible to get to). You can get to the passenger side lower intake runner bolt in the front from under the plenum after the plenum is in place, just don't forget it. Also, I highly suggest you stuff some shop rags between firewall and the block before you try sliding those aft bolts in. If you think finding out where these bolts go now is a problem, just wait till you drop one back there!

Also, the passenger side lower runner bolt in the back, not the lowest one, is also difficult to get in if you have air conditioning. Again, it's hard to get that bolt in without dropping it just behind the injector. One of those magnet rods might help. I found a refugee runner bolt back there from the last time someone pulled off the intake runner.

You might conside dry fitting the intake together before bolting down. It is possible to install the runners right to left, when they should be left to right. -------Yea, you can laugh!

Ed

Good luck,

 

Well, the car is an 87, but the Japanese title says it is a 91... so I am guessing that somebody imported it in 91. It cycled through a couple of Japanese guys, then ended up at a dealer where a service member bought it. Then it cycled through a few guys here at the base, now I have it... so I hear anyways... Thanks for the bolt help guys!

 

hey, where you at?
I have been over here for 3 years, and heading back soon. Give me a shout.

 

I have been in Misawa for almost 4 years now. I'm heading back to the States in Feb. What kind of parts do you have? BTW, this is my original log in. I brainfarted at work one night and had to set up the 87IROCinJapan ID... FYI

 

I go back in January. Are you planning to take yours back??
I am seriously looking into options, I think i have a connection. I first need to find out where it is i am going though. As far as parts, pretty much all of them. I have scrapped a 1989 iroc , and a 1986 t/a here. Vouple of spare rears, couple of trannys, rearhatch, many interor pieces, tpi's and such.....

 

I vaguely recall the "bearing spun in the Rising Sun" saga. I thought that was all worked out by now. That's what I get for thinking. The last time I checked (and it's been some time) a lighter across the ocean was about $600 depending on total gross. There was about a month of transit time, customs hold, and some duties. That was NOT military, however, so you guys may have it a little better.

Post up if/when you need more detail. We're always glad to pay back those in service in whatever way we can.

 

I may have to buy some parts from you. I just got back from TDY, so I really have to bust to get my car finished before the snow flies! Do you have a spare 9 bolt? Vader- thanks for remembering other peoples troubles! I was surprised at your post! I am sure once I get the motor back in, I will be needing lots more help. BTW, I had to pull it out again and change cams, timing gears... the truck motor didn't have a roller... I changed them because I figured that it wouldn't coop with the computer... did I make the right call?

 

Wonder if this car is still around here. I am stationed in Misawa right now. I did see a thirdgen, but it didn't look like anything special.

 

love japan, if im there and i could drive my 70 chevelle, i would cry with hapyness

 

I took the car back to the states with me back in 2007. Put some miles on it, had some fun with it, then sold it! I'm back in Misawa now and found a Firebird in Hach! Don't know if it's any good though...

 

Where do you work? And what type of car are you driving in?

 

I'm work on the flight line at Fuel Shop; rollin' a '98 black Forester like half the base...