Hello all, I've been a long time reader of this forum, usually I search and find exactly what I'm looking for. I finally needed to register because I searched and couldn't find an answer. I hope someone here can help me.

I have an 86 Iroc with the 305 TPI LB9. I'm currently in the process of replacing the TPI runner gaskets due to a vacuum leak.

Here's my dilema:
I removed plenum no problem, The i removed the valve covers to access lower runner bolts and (thought) i removed all of the bolts. The passenger side runner came off no problem, but the driver side is still on there tight. That's when i realized there is another bolt still holding the driver side runner in place.

The bolt i'm referring to is on the opposite side of the fuel rail near the back of the intake manifold. It is under and right next to what i think is a fuel pressure regulator? (directly behind EGR) Correct me if im wrong about that.

I cant figure out how to gain enough clearance to remove this bolt, i cant even fit my torx socket between the bolt head and regulator. I've read a few different threads here stating that it isnt necessary to remove the fuel rails or injectors or anything else to remove the runners, but i haven't seen anyone mention this bolt before which surprises me as I cant be the first guy to ever scratch his head on this one?

Is there a trick or tip that you guys can share with me? I'd prefer not to remove any of the fuel stull if i dont need to.

Thanks in advance!

 

This bolt?



It's been a long while ().....these bolts are SHCS, yes? I used a long, 6mm ball end driver (3/8" drive), extension and ratchet; access the bolt from the passenger side under the regulator. I can't recall if I lifted the fuel rails and injectors but it wouldn't be that difficult to do. Provided the runner isn't in the way. Be careful with cheap ball end drivers, they have a tendency to snap off and get wedged in the bolt head.

 

Yes that’s the one! Thanks! I’ll try and post a picture, it’s hard to even see but I’m pretty sure mine is a T40 torx just like the other bolts…going to double check right now

 

At first I was thinking maybe it is a hex but you’ll see in the photo below that it is another T40 bolt, I had to use my mirror to actually see it well enough to be sure


So are you saying you were able to get to it through this area (in red) between the distributor and fuel regulator from the passenger side?

Also I have another question, I don’t mean to sidetrack here but you seem knowledgeable so you’ll probably know this. When I removed the plenum I noticed the broken vacuum line (circled in red) which is supposed to be attached to the egr. Do you know what this is for and is it important? The only other small vacuum line I’m aware of is the one which attaches to a port on the plenum and runs to the canister behind the drivers side headlight

 

You come in from the passenger side on an extension, ball head torx does help but it's possible without it. Stick it in from the side so you can see how you're slipping it in, then reposition until you can see the bolt from the front, and then fine tune from the side while remaining in front.

 

Thanks, do I need to remove the distributor cap? I can’t get my extension to fit between the dist cap and fuel regulator

 

A lot of people laugh at me but I've never put those 2 lower bolts back on any of my cars. If you do them correctly you'll have no issues.
i use 1/4 drive tools to remove those

 

You should be able to reach it with an extension, but if the distributor is in the way, try using a wobble socket.

 

You can if you need to, it takes less time to remove the cap than it did to make this post. Sounds like your extension is too bulky and you need to buy more tools, try finding a set of long ball head torx sockets. Vim Products VIMBTXL400 is an example of what would probably be the easiest way to get at the bolt but whatever brand you can find should suffice. Be aware that you aren't supposed to remove fasteners with ball heads but when it comes to TPI setups, sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.

 

I just did this. I used a small ratchet, a maybe 2 inch extension and a T-40 socket. Was pretty easy. You just need to angle it / use a mirror to see the bit go into the head.


You MIGHT have it a little harder cause you have the big cap distributor though... you'll need to either use a bunch of wobbles, swivels etc... or it may just be easier to pull the whole distributor.


"Also I have another question, I don’t mean to sidetrack here but you seem knowledgeable so you’ll probably know this. When I removed the plenum I noticed the broken vacuum line (circled in red) which is supposed to be attached to the egr. Do you know what this is for and is it important? The only other small vacuum line I’m aware of is the one which attaches to a port on the plenum and runs to the canister behind the drivers side headlight"

Thats not a vacuum tube, that's the wire for your EGR temp sensor.. Im surprised you don;t have a check engine light.

 

I use 1/4 Drive on that and other Runner Torx bolts. I would be leery of Ball head Torx, due to possible stripping of the tool or bolt head. I scrape Torx bolt heads w/ a dental pick, or similar than blow w/ compressed air, to avoid stripping.

 

Good call 👍 upon closer inspection I now see it’s a wire. I’m assuming there must have been a connector that must have fallen off.

I did in fact have a check engine light which would intermittently come on and go off, I assumed it must have been due to my vacuum leak.

Now upon further research it looks like the egr temp sensor was discontinued a long while back…

I don’t really care about the check engine light I don’t have emissions where I live. Will that broken wire cause the engine to not run right?

 

I finally got it out, thanks! I just needed to figure out the right angle to make it work. I’m going to order that Vim ball torx set, I never even knew that ball end torx bits existed. They willl definitely come in handy

 

If i recall it's just a CEL. I think it'll throw a code 32



The part is available at the corvette store.. the wire is slightly shorter though since it's for a vette motor but should work fine if you want one.