C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

SUPERRAM plenum bolt options

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Old Jul 21, 2009 | 06:34 PM
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Default SUPERRAM plenum bolt options

I took my plenum back off already, and looking for plenum bolt options.
I really don't care much for the little bolts, and the slotted end on them, I know aardwolf used bolts with nyloc nuts or something, is this the only other option.

I just figure while I have it off AGAIN I might as well start making it sumpler to deal with.

how can I stud the runners?
thanks
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Old Jul 21, 2009 | 06:40 PM
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What is it you don't like about them? Is there a particular issue you hope to make better?
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Old Jul 21, 2009 | 06:49 PM
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yup I would like to just be able to set the plenum down on the runners and tighten it down.
It is not real bad installing the bolts from the bottom, but I don't have the patience for it, and since it is off, and I have the chance to change things, I am open to ideas.
thanks
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Old Jul 21, 2009 | 07:55 PM
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Originally Posted by pologreen1
yup I would like to just be able to set the plenum down on the runners and tighten it down.
It is not real bad installing the bolts from the bottom, but I don't have the patience for it, and since it is off, and I have the chance to change things, I am open to ideas.
thanks
I thought Agent 86 had a good idea. On the hard to reach bolts, thread the runners and install the bolts from the top.
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Old Jul 21, 2009 | 08:10 PM
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yes, my set is new nut, been modified
runner holes are drilled out bigger than the plenum bolt holes
runners are all grinded down for easier bolt access
plenum bolts are slotted
etc
I already put it togetherit's not too bad , I could not fit my hand under the plenum for the inner bolts real well, so I used a strong magnet up in the plenum , and it sucked them right up in to the holes. and I used a screw driver to start them, but I want to make it that I can just set the plenum on and put nuts on the bolts and be done.
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Old Jul 21, 2009 | 09:27 PM
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Originally Posted by pologreen1
yes, my set is new nut, been modified
runner holes are drilled out bigger than the plenum bolt holes
runners are all grinded down for easier bolt access
plenum bolts are slotted
etc
I already put it togetherit's not too bad , I could not fit my hand under the plenum for the inner bolts real well, so I used a strong magnet up in the plenum , and it sucked them right up in to the holes. and I used a screw driver to start them, but I want to make it that I can just set the plenum on and put nuts on the bolts and be done.
I just finished tapping the inner holes on the runners for a 5/16-18 bolt. I enlarged the plenum holes to 11/32. I'll now install all 4 inner bolts from the top. Agent 86 installed studs rather than bolts.
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Old Jul 22, 2009 | 08:10 AM
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Originally Posted by cumbercr
Agent 86 installed studs rather than bolts.
You might want to do the same. It's unlikely that you would pull the stud out while tightening nuts, but there is a greater chance of stripping the runner threads, trying to tighten the bolts.
The studs also keep the plenum in place, during assembly.
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Old Jul 22, 2009 | 12:00 PM
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Thread the runners, and screw in bolts from the underside of the runners. Essentially, you would have stude pointed up. Open up the plenum holes, set the plenum on the studs and tighten wingnuts on the studs (just kidding). You can use nylocks from above, just be careful you don't drop them down the runners. Actually, I don't remove the plenum top when I undo my superram. I just take the valve covers off, a few rocker arms off and use a 1/4" air ratchet and a 1/4" socket. Some of the bolts need a swivel. All but 2 of the bolts can be accessed with the air tool and makes it a pretty quick job. Because it's a race car, it only takes a few minutes to get the valve covers off.
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Old Jul 22, 2009 | 01:01 PM
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Originally Posted by 383vett
Thread the runners, and screw in bolts from the underside of the runners. Essentially, you would have stude pointed up. Open up the plenum holes, set the plenum on the studs and tighten wingnuts on the studs (just kidding). You can use nylocks from above, just be careful you don't drop them down the runners. Actually, I don't remove the plenum top when I undo my superram. I just take the valve covers off, a few rocker arms off and use a 1/4" air ratchet and a 1/4" socket. Some of the bolts need a swivel. All but 2 of the bolts can be accessed with the air tool and makes it a pretty quick job. Because it's a race car, it only takes a few minutes to get the valve covers off.
thanks, Ironicly I am actually doing this right now LOL and I also used an air ratchet to do the runner bolts and stuff, except the middle ones I used and allen wrench because those are different, so I don't have to remove rockers.

PS I already had the drop down the runner scare I have heard about, and thought would never happen, I just took my grabber, and ducttaped a strong magnet to it, and ran it down the runner, and LUCKILY it sucked it right out, I am never going to let that happen again.
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Old Jul 22, 2009 | 07:11 PM
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Have any of you been here long enough to remember when a bolt *did* get into my #6 cylinder?
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Old Jul 22, 2009 | 08:33 PM
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Originally Posted by pologreen1
yup I would like to just be able to set the plenum down on the runners and tighten it down.
Been thinking about this for years.
Bought a second ram to try something out. dont know about it so much anymore.

Stud every runner bolt hole. Studs run all the way out the top of the plenum lid.

you never unbolt the plenum lid (I think a few plenum lid bolts will be in the way), you just slide it over the studs and tighten them down on the top of the plenum.

Sure, a few issues come up.
1st. The studs in the airflow path in the plenum.
2nd. potential leaks from the studs.

Plenum lip for the lid will need to be massaged to allow studs to clear.

Plenum lid fins will need to be machined flat for the nuts to seal flat to the surface. I would not machine the whole lid flat to keep the support, just the stud/bolt area.

Might need a gasket between the nut and the plenum lid surface, or Silicone.
Maybe use of those flat bottom nuts that flare out for a good sealing surface.

Install time should be greatly reduced. So who is going first.
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Old Jul 22, 2009 | 09:05 PM
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I just finished installing the 4 studs for the inner bolts. Mocked it all up and everything fits. I think I'll stop here.
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Old Jul 22, 2009 | 09:29 PM
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I just bought longer bolts, and nuts, I think I am going to try it out, all the way around, and probably from the top down, instead.
If I don't like it, I can always put the originals in, I am trying things out right now.
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Old Jul 22, 2009 | 09:47 PM
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Whatever you do, make sure you loctite the **** out of everything and/or install some safety wire.
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Old Jul 22, 2009 | 11:51 PM
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Originally Posted by scorp508
Whatever you do, make sure you loctite the **** out of everything and/or install some safety wire.
thanks, I bought new locktite today also. I might try to thread them down through the inside, and put nuts under runners, if not I will permanantly attatch them, to the runners, and then put nuts, and wires lock on them.

should have bought a MINI LOL
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