How to Replace the Exhaust Manifold in a Chevy Impala

Throughout the 1960s and early 70s, the Chevy Impala topped the sales charts. Despite its decline in the wake of smaller, midsized cars, enthusiasts have remained loyal to Impala, which is a favorite among restorers. From 1979 to 1989, the Chevy Impala offered an inline six-cylinder engine. The following steps walk you through the removal and installation of the exhaust manifold.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Remove the Exhaust Manifold

1. Pull the negative battery cable and then remove the air cleaner assembly. Set the power steering pump out of the way. Remove the AIR pump.

2. Support the vehicle on jackstands. Spray rusted fasteners with a penetrating lubricant before attempting to loosen them. Access and disconnect the exhaust pipe from the manifold and catalytic converter bracket.

3. From above, remove the bracket for the accelerator cable. Take off the rear heat shield. Loose and remove the manifold bolts. Pull the manifold from the engine.

4. Clean the manifold and then inspect it for cracks or damage. Clean the EFE valve with solvent as necessary.

Install the Exhaust Manifold

5. Clean the gasket surface with solvent and compressed air. Make sure there is no damage to the gasket surface. Set the new gasket on the manifold. Position the manifold on the engine.

6. Set the bolts in place and finger-tighten them. Torque the bolts in sequence and to specifications.

7. Replace the rear heat shield. Install the accelerator cable bracket.

8. Connect the exhaust pipe (from below) to the manifold flange, then connect the converter bracket to the transmission mount.

9. Work from above and install the power steering and AIR pumps. Install the air cleaner assembly and then connect the negative battery cable to the terminal.

10. Start the engine and check for exhaust leaks. Lower the vehicle carefully.

Tips & Warnings

• Torque the seven central bolts to 30 foot pounds. The bolt to either side of the group is torqued to 25 to 30 foot pounds. The two bolts at either end (total of four) are torqued to 18 to 23 foot pounds.

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