90 Motor Mounts and C-beam plates..anyway to do it WITHOUT removing manifolds?

[Corvette95]

I think I need to replace the stock motor mounts at 29k Miles, read through the stickies and prior threads. Is there ANY way to replace the motor mounts with the stock manifolds and cats (90) still in place? If I am going to pull the exhaust I think I may wait until the budget allows for a whole new exhaust system instead or re-installing the stock ones along with ZF-Docs C-beam plates. If I can do it with exhaust on, I would like to go ahead and replace the motor mounts and do the ZFDoc plates this week. Thanks.

[Erik]

Out of curiosity, why did you decide to do the C-beam plates?

[secondchance]

Even if you can unstable the c beam plate, you won?t be able to torque it correctly. Do it once and do it right.

[Corvette95]

Even if you can unstable the c beam plate, you won?t be able to torque it correctly. Do it once and do it right.
Can you follow up on that? I know I would need to pull the catback and I would for the C-beam plates but if I can going to do that I am going to replace the motor mounts and my question is if anyone has found a way to replace the motor mounts without removing the stock manifolds...if I am going to do that, I think I should waiting until I can buy headers, the stock manifold have never been off and I am sure they will need heat and probably break a stud or two.

[32valvZ]

Just for the record...Ive done headers on 2 different Zs now.... I didnt need heat or break anything and was able to get all but maybe 2 bolts back in.

[secondchance]

I don?t know positively if motor mounts can be replaced with stock exhaust manifold. Also, 94 and 95s have EGR on the passenger side which might add to the challenge.
As for the C beam plate bolts, exhaust location is such that getting torque wrench on the bolt is impossible. Ironically, my c beam bolts were loose and really didn?t want to drop the exhaust. Jim, Wazoo chief, had a 3/8? drive stub with hex head on it. I used 18mm socket, hex bolt head stud and ratcheting box wrench combo to tighten it. Did I get 40 point foot? Probably not but close I hope.
When installing c beam plate, strongly recommend Locktite.

[Corvette95]

Just for the record...Ive done headers on 2 different Zs now.... I didnt need heat or break anything and was able to get all but maybe 2 bolts back in.

Did you remove the air tubes before the manifolds or were you able to pull them as a unit?

[32valvZ]

Did you remove the air tubes before the manifolds or were you able to pull them as a unit?

Removed all together.

[Corvette95]

Removed all together.

Thanks, about to start the job, any tips on removing the heat shields? Can any be left in place? Any special tools tips for access to prevent slicing up my hands? I plan on removing the entire exhaust as one piece from headers to mufflers, FSM says that is ok?

[32valvZ]

Thanks, about to start the job, any tips on removing the heat shields? Can any be left in place? Any special tools tips for access to prevent slicing up my hands? I plan on removing the entire exhaust as one piece from headers to mufflers, FSM says that is ok?

I dont think you will be able to remove the entire exhaust with the manifolds attached.. I would separate the exhaust from the manifolds back. All that can come out as one piece. I remember having to finagle the manifolds around a little to get them out and I cant see doing that with them attached to the rest of the exhaust.

Im not sure what your working circumstances are.... but I guess you can try if you have a lift that you can stand up underneath. I only have a Kwiklift so maybe thats why it seems easier to separate...

[Corvette95]

Thanks, I will just remove the catback (that I just installed) then do the manifolds. Unfortunately I will be using 24 inch jack stands...thats the best I can do at the moment. Recent spinal fusion will require me to extra care hence all the questions.