Removing FI Intake System

[RRoller123]

Need some advice. (no surprise there!)

1980 2L FI

Has anyone removed the Head with the Intake Manifold intact, versus removing the Intake first? Getting at the nuts on the underside of the intake manifold is an absolute nightmare. I have the intake system/fuel rail fully isolated, fuel lines, FI wiring, etc. all disconnected. Plenum top removed.

It seems like it would be a heck of a lot easier to remove the head/cam boxes and intake as 1 large unit and then do the final disassembly on the bench?

Thanks for any advice if you have been through this process!

Pete

[SoFlaFiat]

Pete,
What is the end goal?
When was the head gasket replaced last? And timing belt? Tensioner?
If you pull the head, you will want new gasket and belt. That would be the deciding factor for me. If the head gasket is good and the timing belt relatively new, just take the intake. It's a struggle I know...

Are you swapping out for carb? Carbs?

[RRoller123]

New HP large valve P&P head and mid range street cams, adjustable cam wheels, fresh water pump, aluminum radiator, etc going in. Can't wait for the funds to do the lower end yet, so doing this part now.

[SoFlaFiat]

With that being done, I'd take the head off for sure!
Enjoy!!

[klweimer]

Pete,
I'm sure you figured this out by now, but I think you can yank the head with the FI intake still on. When I re-did my head, I got the valve shims all set up while on the bench and just dropped it on. It's a great way to go. Support the head on a couple of wood blocks to hold it above the workbench and make sure you are turning the cams in unison, as with large valves they can hit each other if not synchronized. Also, don't lose the two tubular dowels on either end of the head when you pull it off. You need then to keep everything aligned when it goes back on.
Kirk

[joelittel]

I left the lower portion of my intake on the head when I removed it. I also attached it to the head before reinstalling.

Make sure that your thermal time switch is disconnected before you attempt to lift the head and manifold off the block. Injectors are an easy no brainer because you can see them and they practically remind you to disconnect them. The TTS is hidden under the manifold and is easily forgotten.

I'd recommend having a friend help you lift this. I found it to be just heavy/awkward enough to be potentially dangerous to your back.

Which cams are you going with?

While you're in there check your crank breather assembly, where the hose meets the block. Mine was filled with goo.

[ekstrandt]

I left the exhaust manifold (removed the 6 bolts) and the complete intake on when I did mine. My son helped me lift the complete assembly off, as joelittel said it is kind of awkward. If I was to do it again, I would get the studs for the head to make reassembly so much easier. Before I forget make sure your o2 sensor lead does not get trapped between the block and head on reassembly. I will never forget that again

[RRoller123]

Fantastic responses, thanks to all! Spent today with my Tax Accountant, so tomorrow back to the car.

I almost forgot the TTS, that is a good catch.

I think I will pull that last exhaust stud that didn't come out with the nut removal, and then the exhaust manifold can stay in the car and make the lift a lot lighter.

Cams are Allison's 274FI street cams. I just want to sharpen it up a little, not looking for a raging beast. The HC pistons and exhaust work will have to wait until the funds are available, which may be never, but that's the way it goes. One step at a time!

Pete

[ORFORD2004]

I have a block with HC piston and total seal ring for sale. 1 summer use.

[RRoller123]

Hmmmm..... But I already have a known good block (2nd one from my second engine) partially torn down, but that is a great idea. I would expect that someone here on the forum would snap it up. It is a lot of work doing a lower end.

The other, more practical problem I have is that I am in a condo, so I can't do any of the nasty out in the driveway, and the ceiling in my garage is too low to allow an engine lift to work properly.

Just have to give all this some more thought.... And do the partials for the time being.

Pete

[ORFORD2004]

And on prime, I have forged connecting rod from GM 350 and you can put better quality connecting rod bearing.

[124JOE]

when i had this problem i was younger,so i had a strong friend help
we used a long thick bar and a chain to lift the block up and out
you may back it up and remove the tires"setting it on wood to lower the car