weedog

I have a bad head gasket on 97 Z28 5.7 engine does the manifolds come out the top or bottom .All so can you put a oil pan gasket on without pulling the motor. Thanks

DrewHMS97SS

I don't 100% follow what you are asking about the manifold, so I will answer to the best of my ability, which maybe slightly verbose.

There are two manifolds that need to be disconnected from the head to replace the head gasket: intake and exhaust. The intake manifold will unbolt from the top of the engine and remove vertically, where the exhaust manifold will unbolt from the side of the head and remove away from the engine. I definitely recommend a manual for the car, and would be systematic in the removal and labeling of parts you remove.

As a side note, there is so much work involved with getting to this point, I would suggest replacing both head gaskets at the same time.

weedog

thanks

DrewHMS97SS

I missed the oil pan question, if you are just looking to replace the gasket, you can get enough clearance to fish the new style rubber gaskets by supporting the engine with a hoist, then removing the engine mount bolts and raising the engine slightly. Some have been able to do this by jacking with wood between the jack and the balancer. In any case, it's tight. If you need the pan completely off without removing the engine, you will need to support the engine with a hoist and drop the cross member.

weedog

ok thanks Drew I have built a few of the older 327 350 but this one is a nightmare I just going to pull the motor out the top and rebuild it. if I Have Anymore ? ill get back with you. Thanks Again

DrewHMS97SS

You're most welcome. The space in the engine bay is definitely tight compared to older cars, if that is what you have experience with. After the engine is out of the car, I don't think there is any higher difficulty than any other GM engine. Good luck!