91 Z71 Resto

[Zseventy-one]

-Exhuast Update-
Shop said they had 4 techs look at and all confirm that they wouldn't be able to extract the bolts without destroying the manifold. At least they didn't charge anything so was happy for that.

 

[Zseventy-one]

Said screw it and ordered these puppies...hope they ship soon!

 

[Zseventy-one]

Sucks they are on back order but at least that gives me time to break loose the manifold bolts. Found a good video online explaining how to do this methodically without breaking the bolts.

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[Zseventy-one]

Switching gears for a fun fact...94 wiper arms (hook style) fit the 91 perfect! Now I can get rid of the sloppy pin style arms that cheap blades don't seem to want to stay attached!

 

[Zseventy-one]

While I'm doing the headers, I figured it wouldn't hurt to to replace the plugs and wires since they are right there although motor seems to running pretty well.
My father had a shop replace the original TBI 350 with a used one about 10 years ago that was thought to have around 65k to 75k miles on it.
In the last 10 years they have only put 5k miles on it, so I'm wondering what other things/parts I should replace for some added insurance?
Only engine issue or hiccup is the wonky oil pressure gauge. It's all over the place. Sometimes after it pegs, the check engine light will come on but then go off after I stop/engine rpm drops back to idle. Not sure if that's an easy fix and just needs a new sending unit or if another sensor is being triggered. Next time it comes on will hook code reader up and find out.

 

[Zseventy-one]

Found this TBI mods article interesting.

Recommended 350 TBI modifications | TBI

Recommended 350 TBI modifications

harristuning.com

Have read it couple times and am using it and this forum to help keep my build on track.
Uncorking the exhaust is a decent start, but now I'm wondering if I will need a 3 plug o2 sensor conversion?
Don't want to put the cart before the horse on performance parts until this exhaust is done!

 

[Zseventy-one]

Good news !
Was able to remove the manifolds without breaking any bolts!
Hardest part was prying the drivers side out from under the alternator bracket but over all went surprisingly smooth.
Now I have some options:
1) Extract broken studs and re-use old rusty logs w/new bolts of course
2) Order new stock logs
3) Wait 3 weeks for Summit to ship ceramic coated shorties

As of now I'm still leaning towards option 3. Only drawback is that if I want to a head swap I'd have to get new headers.

Now for some photos!

 

[Zseventy-one]

Used a 6 point 1/2 inch drive short and long socket and went slooooowwww. No heat, only liquid wrench!
Labled bolts for reference just in case

 

[Zseventy-one]

Tried removing the pesky alt braket, got it loose enough but was a bit of a pain.

 

[Zseventy-one]

In the photo above you can see the wire nuts on the starter wires...lol
Dad couldn't get the truck started last year, and I found that a squirrel or rat chewed them up. Did a half ass temp fix on them and starter works great but I def should do something about that!
More photos below just random shots in case it helps anyone.