Broken Exhaust Manifold Bolts

[Dylan]

The left hand side of the motor is the issue with these header swaps. If you break off a right side bolt you have enough room to use an extractor. The driver side has the firewall and master cylinder in the way and for some reason those two left rear bolts always are the ones to break. Guy at GM said a good start is to let the truck sit over night and then start it for a couple minutes to warm up prior to removal and take off your wheels and liners in the front to gain straight access to the bolts.

 

[89 chevy]

The bolts are out, and the motor is running. I know, AND HAVE a Tap and Die set and drill bits as well. Our head GM Mechanic said that he didn't want to risk the head just to get a bolt out, so we took the heads to our machine shop and they used the CNC machine to get them out. Didn't have to rethread the holes or anything. I am going to eventually put long tubes on it, so I am sending back my Shorty's and ordering a set of long tubes.

 

[Mac]

Even better....