300ZX exhaust manifold replacement

[jdm_master_X]

Hey there fellow Z gurus,

I don't have a Z32 at all, but I'm helping a friend replace his clutch and installing Megan Racing manifolds on his car.

I've read how hard it is to replace the turbos (engine removal vs brake booster removal etc). My question is if I removed the transmission first, would it be much easier to replace the manifolds then or would I still have to go through the same procedures of removing the engine or accessories around the manifolds? I'm just trying to figure out which would be easiest.

Anyhow, chime in if anyone has experience with the replacement. Your advice is greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Robert

[jdm_master_X]

Anybody? I'd imagine it MIGHT be easier, but I figured I'd ask before I run into any surprises.

[300ZXttZMAN]

IDK I don't have an NA....

Just give it a little bit lets see if someone else chimes in.

If not I will move the thread to Gen chat to see if anyone can help.

[BigTDogg (MA)]

If you're replacing the turbos and the manifolds, remove the engine. Do yourself a favor now, there's tons of 20 year old stuff in there which needs to be changed.

And don't waste the money on Megan exhaust manifolds for a TT. They WILL crack. You will be much better off getting a set of MSP manifolds, as they will outlast the turbo attached to them.

[jdm_master_X]

Thanks for the replies guys! Now I have a solid gameplan.

As for the manifolds in question, I tried to convince the guy otherwise, but he won't budge on the manifolds or clutch. It's all eBay stuff. I'm an s13 guy by heart and I told him to get better parts but I couldn't convince him otherwise. He's trading me his aluminum 30mm brakes and oem tt wheels so his ignorance profits me I guess, lol.

[xclusivez32]

I would pull the engine, its going to be a big head ache trying to do this in the car and alot of bloody figures.

[jdm_master_X]

Okay I'm settled on pulling the engine now.

I was reading the FSM and of course it recommended removing all sorts of stuff like brake booster and steering knuckle, etc. How do you guys hook your engine hoists to your engines? Do I really need to use the engine lifting brackets as mentioned in the FSM? I normally just wrap a lifting strap on the manifolds when I remove KAs or SRs.

Sorry for the VG30 noobishness, lol.

[NolimitZ32]

The best way is to get a ramey engine slinger (which can be had through pretty much any Z shop), its fairly cheap and makes life that much easier. last time I pulled mine (previous to buying the slinger) I fabbed some brackets that attached to the factory brackets on the sides of the intake manifold/heads and used those. I've also seen people run straps under each of the runners on the intake and used those.

Ramey Z Slinger: http://www.z1motorsports.com/product_in ... ts_id=2940

[jdm_master_X]

Ah okay. I'm not going to spend money on this guys behalf if he isn't willing to spend it. I assume brake master, ascd stuff, and steering knuckle removal isn't avoidable? I'll just follow the fsm to the tee I suppose.