What do ya'll use / do to get to the middle bolt on the upper intake manifold? I've tried 1/4" and 3/8" with no success getting it inbetween. I can't get it from underneath either. It's a '88 with a 351W in it.

 

You should be able to get on it with a 1/4, but ya gotta go at it from an angle. Dont try dropping it in from the very top. It is a pain in the ***.

 

I used a long 1/4 drive extention with a 1/4" socket and a T-40 bit. Be sure to tape them together so they don't fall off

 

Exactly what I was gonna say.....well interpreted.

 

Talking about 2 different areas then if you're using a T-40 (or someone changed mine out). I'm talking about the plenum that is held in by 6x 1/2" sized bolts / nuts. I'm trying to get to the right (passenger) valve cover.

 

Hmmm, wonder if they left a bolt in there those years.....I have gotten valve covers off and swapped gaskets while leaving the upper intake in tact...it's a PITA but it is doable....only other suggestion is cramming your arm (or another girly type etremity) into there and using a wrench.

 

the same bolt on my 90 5,8 is stripped. can anyone help me figure pout gow to get it out?

 

I had mine strip once if u go to a auto parts store get a eazy out set or bold exstactors that should work if not this kid I know use a stick welder to weld a alen key to it to get it out

 

When we removed my upper intake, we removed all the bolts, and had the little torx screw left. Didnt have anything to fit, so we Pulled up on the upper intake, spun it counterclockwise a little, and it broke it loose enough to reach up under there and hand unscrew it.

 

And do what I did when u do get it out take it to the hardware store get a bolt that is long that will just stik like a 1/2 inch above the intake and just weld a nut at the same langth as the old one on the new one so it dont happen agean