Removing Rear Steam Vent Plugs?
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 4,672
Likes: 1,851
From: Erlanger, Kentucky
Removing Rear Steam Vent Plugs?
I have searched multiple times using the (awful) forum search option and google but haven't quite found what I am looking for.
I want to remove the rear plugs for the steam vents on my 2011 GS with LS3. It looks like this should be possible with the engine in the car. i know I will need to remove the intake to get to them but that is fine. I am thinking I could use a right angle attachment for my drill and then carefully drill the plugs out. Use a vacuum while I drill to catch the chips and not allow them to go into the cooling system.
Was thinking I may be able to fit an LS1 4-corner steam vent tube as I have an E-force with spacers that elevates the supercharger above the valley plate area so I should have clearance.
Thoughts or advice?
(I know its debatable if 4-corner steam vents are needed but this is really just a project for the spring that I am thinking of because I enjoy modifying my car.)
I want to remove the rear plugs for the steam vents on my 2011 GS with LS3. It looks like this should be possible with the engine in the car. i know I will need to remove the intake to get to them but that is fine. I am thinking I could use a right angle attachment for my drill and then carefully drill the plugs out. Use a vacuum while I drill to catch the chips and not allow them to go into the cooling system.
Was thinking I may be able to fit an LS1 4-corner steam vent tube as I have an E-force with spacers that elevates the supercharger above the valley plate area so I should have clearance.
Thoughts or advice?
(I know its debatable if 4-corner steam vents are needed but this is really just a project for the spring that I am thinking of because I enjoy modifying my car.)
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,196
Likes: 320
From: Shelbyville Kentucky
Why? Yes it can be done because I had to fool with them when I put heads on my LS2. I put lower profile aftermarket plugs on. Don't see any point of doing anything else, the vents in the front are sufficient, you don't need any in the back.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 4,672
Likes: 1,851
From: Erlanger, Kentucky
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,864
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Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 4,672
Likes: 1,851
From: Erlanger, Kentucky
If you're going to remove them, I'd first go to a dealer, and see how long the plugs are. Then I'd try to drill down short of breaking thru to the coolant passage. I don't have a set of heads in front of me,, so my recommended sizes may be a bit off. I'd use a tap drill size for an M4 tap, or whatever size tap you need. Then tap the plug. Use a bolt with matching threads (of course!) to pull the plug out. I'd use a short, 1/4" drive socket, maybe an 8mm? Place the bolt, with a couple flat washers, thru the socket. Then use a box end, or combination wrench on the bolt to pull it out. This should work. If you must drill thru the plug, use some thick grease on the drill bit to, hopefully, hold any chips that may fall into the coolant passage. Good luck, and please post results.
Using a tap and bolt to remove the plug is a good idea and I may try that.
I will post pictures when I do this in a few months. Have to wait until we get some warmer weather here in Kentucky. Thanks.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,864
Likes: 4,669
From research I have done online, the plug is actually just a simple rivet. From the pictures I have seen online, is looks to be maybe about a 1/4 inch in length.
Using a tap and bolt to remove the plug is a good idea and I may try that.
I will post pictures when I do this in a few months. Have to wait until we get some warmer weather here in Kentucky. Thanks.
Using a tap and bolt to remove the plug is a good idea and I may try that.
I will post pictures when I do this in a few months. Have to wait until we get some warmer weather here in Kentucky. Thanks.
