How to Remove? 331 Hemi Exhaust Manifold 1954 Imperial

[Jfleming]

Hello, looking for advice and ideally experience with how to remove (and replace) the exhaust manifold from a 49-54 Chrysler with a 331 Hemi. It’s within about an inch of the upper control arm so I can tell it won’t just un-bolt and slide off. Will I be able to unbolt the motor mounts and lift it a few inches? Will I need to unbolt the trans mount too? Hopefully the engine doesn’t need to come OUT.

[Andydodge]

AFAIK these use 8 studs to attach to the head with nuts on each stud, if enough clearance then undoing the nuts should be all thats needed but otherwise then you may have to try & remove the stud using a 2nd nut as a "jam" nut ........the studs should have a 3/8th UNC thread into the head whereas the nuts use a 3/8 UNF  thread, if you need to undo the engine mounts by using a block of wood under the sump pan you should be able to gently raise the engine and inch or so without undoing the gearbox mount...........at least my experience with a 318 Poly/cast iron T/flite would suggest its possible........might also be worth adding a little heat onto each nut to try & ensure that they don't strip threads or break the stud then when cooled off use lots of WD40 or similar..........and then use new studs and/or new nuts when replaced..............regards, andyd

[Jfleming]

36 minutes ago, Andydodge said:

AFAIK these use 8 studs to attach to the head with nuts on each stud, if enough clearance then undoing the nuts should be all thats needed

You are correct. The problem I have is that there’s not enough clearance to slip the manifold off the studs and get it out of the bay. I’m hoping to leave the studs put.