Anybody who's done it; if I were, say, replacing my basic cast iron exhaust manifolds with the 85/86 versions, would I HAVE to move the rack? I only ask, as I have other things that would be slightly more convenient to do IF the rack was already out of the way, but IF I were paying someone else an hourly rate...well, you get the idea.

 

Well, I haven't done exactly that, but seeing the lack of response on this, let me say that I have gotten one manifold out/in without removing the rack. Others report the same for both sides.

Can be un-fun working from below on likely frozen nuts, eminantly breakable studs and easily stripable holes.

 

Yes, exactly why I'm paying someone else to do it for me. I toyed with the idea of doing it myself, but I figure these have probably been on for 20 years so this time I'll leave it to the professionals (with their professional tools and professional liability). I was curious because I was thinking of having them replace my oil pan at the same time.

 

Flint,

Done this one a few times. Definately easier if the rack is out, but doable (both sides) with it in.

Lotsa P-Blast, Liquid Wrench, whatever. The 'GearWrench' (or equiv.style ratcheting wrench) is the speediest tool to remove/replace a couple of the nuts that are nearly impossible with any other tool.

Regardless, I would probably order a few new studs just to have them handy as cheap insurance.

Good Luck,

Greg