Exhaust manifold bolt access

[Paul Stubbs]

Hello all, I posted originally in the Fuselage section but probably should have started here.
I'm in the process of removing the heads on my 73 NYB. All exhaust manifold nuts are removed except the one next to the steering rag coupler. The heat shield is blocking access to it. Any good way to remove the shield without destroying it? OR, is there a combination of sockets/elbows/angles to reach it without removing the shield?
Going back with Eddy E Street heads (74cc) mild Lunati voodoo cam and Holley SD. And an AVS 2.

Thanks for any advice in advance.

 

[volksworld]

not the answer you're looking for but I just wound up pulling the engine....wanted to paint and detail stuff, address some other leaks, and working on the engine a lot easier on a stand than reaching over a fender

 

[MrMoparCHP]

Might need to pull the column.


Alan

 

[Samplingman]

You should be able to get around the coupler and to the bolt if you remove the inner fender. The bolts that hold the heat shield are only accessible if you remove the column. removing the column is not that difficult, just have to remember to remove the float pin in the coupler, then the gear selector indicator, then three bolts on the firewall and two under the gauge cluster.

 

[413]

Remove the engine mount bolts to crossmember and lift up the engine on that side to get better access.

Remember to remove the screw in drain plugs from the sides of the block to drain antifreeze before removing heads. This way you are not cleaning coolant from cylinders and head bolt holes.

 

[Paul Stubbs]

Thanks for all the replies! Think I'll do the engine lift technique.
So strange, I always believed there was more room in a C body engine bay. My Roadrunner had way more open space.