I am trying to replace the leaking injectors on the 86 and have hit a snag. I removed all of the bolts but I can't remove the lid. I've tried prying the lid at various points around the outside but it seems that it is recessed so I can't get under it. I've also tried to pry up from inside the plenum by standing on a large pipe run thru the TB mounting plate (TB is removed) with no luck.

To try to eliminate the numerous vacuum leaks we had, the last time we had it apart we used the Right Stuff smeared on the gasket material on reassembly. Not a good idea, apparently.

Any other ideas, tips, tricks? Are there any nifty chemicals to loosen up the RTV? Would applying heat help any?

Thanks!

Well if it was normal RTV I'd say pry harder. With the right stuff though I'm not sure it wouldn't hold and the metal crack. I've never used it. You could try soaking it with some solvent, thinner/brake cleaner or whatever.

Quote:

I've never worked with the S.Ram but the R/S is no harder to pry apart than RTV. I've used it on cast parts and steel oilpans.

There is a chemical that will loosen it up. Can you get to the sealed edges?
http://www.autobarn.net/per80647.html

The casting on the SR isn't very good. When I take the lid off mine I use scraper between the lid and TB flange.

Are you sure all of the bolts are out (not to sound insulting...but trust me, I've done that myself). Are you able to get a razor blade in between the lid and the plenum and score it?

Matthew

Yup, all the bolts are out. I can vividly remember drilling out each one . It's only the top lid so they are easy to see. I can't wait until I have to remove the plenum... Yay

I was using large screwdrivers to pry at the TB flange but they were too small. I'll head out and try to find something wider and stronger. I'll also take a peek for that RTV solvent.

This thing really makes me want to drop a MR or converted LT1 on here.

Thanks for the help!

OK. I got the lid and plenum off. As with most car projects, I just needed a bigger pipe and a larger hammer.

Now the fun part. The fuel rail doesn't look like it will come out w/o removing the runners. Problem is, the bottom bolt on each runner pair doesn't look like it can be taken off w/o removing the friggin valve covers.

I hate the Super Ram. They took the worst parts of the old TPI and made them even worse - amazing.

Dale - glad you got it off. And since you're having so many problems with that piece of junk, I'm willing to make a very generous offer of a $100 bill to take it off your hands

Matthew

I'm not completely up on the going rate for SR runners and plenum but $100 seems a bit low but tempting.

I will be putting this thing up for sale tho if I can find either a reasonably priced MiniRam or someone who does the machining for LT1 conversions.

I'm keep changing my mind with my intake choices. I never know what I want from one day to the next. Keep me posted.

Matthew

I got a PM from someone on CF that is willing to part with his converted LT1 setup for a reasonable price so if all goes well that is probably the route I am going to take.

Once that is installed and going the SR will be on the market. It's only the runners and plenum, tho. When LPE did the install in the early 90's they used the stock base (emissions?). I don't know if it is ported or not but I'll find out tomorrow when I pull the runners off.

Based upon my past testing with various intakes such as the MR, SR and long tube runners, I'd recommend you stay with the Superram, it will provide you with the best performance in a car set-up for the street. (ie: 3k or less converter, moderate gears, hyd roller cam)

I do recommend swapping out that stock base intake for an Accell.....probably corking up the SR a bit with a stocker underneath it.

It is a bit more difficult to install, but honestly, its only an extra hour to put on the Superram vs a Miniram.....the tradeoff is, for that extra hour on 1 day of the year, you receive 40-50 more ftlbs of torque where you want it every day for years..... its an easy decision to me.

good luck !

I appreciate the input but I really want this thing gone. It may be a great intake for performance but I refuse to put up with the PITA it brings for maintenance. I've probably blown about 10hrs trying to get this thing off between drilling out all of the lid bolts and trying to pry the lid and plenum off. Having to remove the valve covers to get the runners off because the designers were too stupid to notch the runner flange to remove the injectors was the last straw.

As to the lost torque, we'll see what happens. I can always switch it back. Although if I do that I'll have to make some adjustments.