Hey guys, Im looking to remove my plenum and runners to paint them. How hard is it to remove them? Will I have to replace the gaskets on it? Also, does anyone have any tips on how to do this easier? Thanks, Zak.

 

The bolts should be TORX. Label each bolt where it came from....they are different sizes. You will need new gaskets. Be aware that on the runners there are bolts on the back side (under the plenum which you just removed). From memory....you may have to remove the valve covers to get to some of the bolts on the runners. It has been awhile. You will find out when you try to remove them for sure. A trick you might find helpful is to tap the TORX socket into the bolt head with a hammer....be gentle. If you have not done the TB bypass, you will have to drain the radiator down. Consider the TB bypass while you have it down.

While you have these off you might want to gasket match the runners to the plenum and port the plenum. It is not difficult and if you do a search there are several posts with pictures. I ported mine prior to the SuperRam trade out. It is not too difficult with a air grinder.

Just be sure to label everything that you unhook or take off, it will save you problems later on assembly.

Good Luck...you will do well.

 

I use a couple of pieces of cardboard (patterned after the plenum and runners bolt locations) with small punch holes, and install each bolt that I remove into the cardboard. Easy way to keep the bolt locations straight.

Also, I found that a 1/4" universal socket, and straight/short 1/4" shank Torx bits (IN THE RIGHT SIZE) work great.

Plasticman

 

Ok, where is the cheapest place to get the gaskets? Also, exactly which gaskets will need? Other than gaskets, is there anything else I need to buy to do this? Thanks, Zak.

 

Try NAPA, Summit, etc they all sell a TPI intake gasket kit comes with everything excpet a thermostat gasket. Those are under $2 though, unless youre pulling the base off you wont need one.

I dont pull valve covers off, just move the injector wiring harness back, use a long 1/4" extension with a 1/4 to 3/8 adapter and your torx socket and go to town.

Cold start injector--Follow the line from it and disconnect from the rear of the fuel rail, slide it out of the way.

Do the plenum first...There is an electrical connector under the rear of the plenum, 2 vacuum lines on the pass side by the dist. that come off, one on the TB, one under the front of plenum. Take your time, its pretty easy .WHen reassembling use antiseize on the threads to help prevent crossthreading and galling.

On the DS runner in front there is a bolt coming in from behind on the rear of the runner and the pass side its on the front. Look carefully...

PS runner on the front you may have to move some smog hoses out of the way to get at the one runner bolt in front, its kind of a pain but not too bad.

THere are little plastic **** on the new gaskets that youll see hold the gasket in place, make sure the old ones arent broken off inside. If they are a small awl or drill bit takes care of that.

Not too bad overall, just work slow, take notes and have pateince.

 

I did the same thing and it made the job much easier! Good Luck!

 

Thanks. Im out of school for the next week for Christmas, so hopefully I can do it over the break. Zak.

 

I was going to ask you...Is there any way to reuse the gaskets it already has? Thanks, Zak.


Do I only need the runner gaskets? I also want to paint the throtle body.

 

Nope, don't even try. Once you take it apart, you will understand better (real pain taking it apart and getting back together, why risk having to do it again due to trying to reuse gaskets that are marginal and then fail!).

Plasticman

 

No no, buy new gaskets always. Check out part # MS93160 at Autozone or Oreilly's. That gasket kit is about $12 and comes with all the gaskets you need. Also, if you have a rubber mallet it makes the plenum so much easier to tap out of there if you haven't done it in a long time. Also, if you haven't cleaned the TB or the IAC now would be the time to do it.

When I had my plenum and runners off for the first time in 15+ years, I had the local machine shop do what they could to bead blast the carbon out. Just make sure if you decide to do that to blast out, with compressed air, the plenum and runners for residual media.

 

Find a January 2008 copy of Corvette Fever magazine. There is an article in there that covers the install of an ACCEL TPI base and runners. Some good tips on removal of the stock plenum and runners and re-installation process. While the install process deals with the ACCEL stuff, the process will be the same for the stock base, runners and plenum.

Definitely get new gaskets. Don't use the pre-formed rubber gaskets for the front and back centers of the intake; use a good 02-resistant RTV sealant for that area. The article pointed out to install a new water pump bypass hose at the same time. You have to remove it from the intake base anyway and it wil be out in the open.

Also watch out for the injector harness connectors, they get brittle over time and you risk breaking them if you pull too hard. Same for the TPS and IAC connectors.

 

Thanks for all of the help. Do you know if they might keep the gaskets in stock or if you have to oreder them?

 

Your best bet is to call around for the gasket kit. NAPA, Summit, I don't know about the regular chain part stores. They probably have to order it but most can get parts in 24 hrs. I think I have a part number somewhere, it might help. I'll try to look for it and repost.

Art

 

Ok, Ill do that.

 

Here's a link to the Felpro kit that is on Summit's website. At least you'll have a part number that you can interchange if you don't want to go with Felpro. Keep in mind there are a couple of other gaskets that may not come with the kit which you may need. You may need the fuel line o-rings, maybe the cold start valve o-ring too. These are components you'll remove when disassembling your intake. Maybe someone else will add to this topic of extra gaskets or o-rings.

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...1&autoview=sku

Art

 

Felpro also makes this kit which does not include the intake gaskets. If you're not going to remove the intake manifold then this one might be the one to go with. Again, you may need additional o-rings and gaskets like the fuel line, cold start injector o-ring (the one that is on the back of the plenum which you'll have to remove to remove the plenum). I don't know if you plan on replacing the thermostat and gasket, if so you'll need a gasket for it too.

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...0&autoview=sku

Art

 

My local Oreilly's and Autozone seem to always have them in stock when I need them. At least in Lewisville they do. If not, they can usually get it same day, if requested early in the day, or at least by the next morning.

 

Thanks man, Ill go check to see if they have them tomorrow. Zak.