Removing plenum on 302

[itsrickfromfl]

HELP...I've been looking for a plenum to recondition for my 1986 Bronco's 302 (truck was built in August 85), and I found a truck with the same engine as mine (a late model 1985) at a local salvage yard. It's a you pull it place. I had trouble getting the Torx bolt out. 3 of the employees also tried, unsuccessfully, to help me, and I ended up leaving without the plenum.

 

I was attempting to use a 3/8 drive ratchet with a very long extension, and an assortment of star bit sockets. The 40 seemed to be the closest to the proper size, but the socket itself seems to be too wide to allow me to properly line it up inside the bolt. Any suggestions on what size Torx best works and what tools would work best for this?

 

I am really enjoying working on my Bronco, but to be honest, the last vehicle I worked on was a 69 Camaro, and it was back in the early to mid 70's. As you might guess, I am a bit rusty and at times, a little over my head <grins>.

 

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[Roadkill]

I believe Snowman74 had the same problem recently.

Click Here!

 

[itsrickfromfl]

I believe Snowman74 had the same problem recently.
Click Here!

Thanks for the link! After looking at the pictures there, I went to Ace Hardware. I found a 16 piece tamper proof star bit set with the proper bit in it. The kit also had an adaptor that securely connects the bit to a 1/4 inch extension. Get this, it was in a "junk bin" for 2.99!

 

I also went to Harbor Freight. They offer a set of 3 long extensions for 7.99 (item #39193). Two are for 1/4 inch sets, and they come in 12 and 18 inches. There's also a 24 inch extension for your 3/8 drive set.

 

Total spent was 12.00 with taxes, and the torx bolt was out in a minute! And, I have some inexpensive tools that could prove helpful on future projects.

 

Maybe this will save someone else some time and trouble down the road.

 

[COBRA of denver]

> JUST INSTALLED A 1" PLENUM SPACER OVER THE WEEKEND, ITS A 1/4" DRIVE TORX 40 BIT. CAN FIND AT CHECKER OR AUTOZONE. WITH A 6"-8" EXTENSION BIT. OTHER OPTION IS TO USE A 3/8" DRIVE T40 PUT YOU HAVE TO COME IN FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE UNDER THE PLENUM PUT IT ON THE BOLT THEN HOOK EXTENTION DIVE TO IT. YOU HAVE TO PULL H OTHER FIVE 1/2" BOLTS FIRST AS YOU UNTHREAD THE TORX BIT IT WILL MOVE THE WHOLE PLENUM. HOPE THIS HELPS YOU

 

[89Bronco58]

notice any improvements with that spacer you installed?

 

[firelt90bronco]

Use a 1/4 ratchet and about a foot of extentions.

 

[bidibronco]

I got rid of the torx for a grade 8 1/2" bolt... I just reach in there with a ratchet wrench. Just thought I would say it...

 

[COBRA of denver]

notice any improvements with that spacer you installed?

SEEMS TO HAVE MORE LOW END POWER, NEED TO FINISH ADDING UNDERDRIVE PULLEY KIT AND EXHAUST, REPLACING FROM MOTOR TO EXHAUST TIP.

SPACER IS A TRICK FLOW 1" SPACER WILL FIT 302/351W TRUCKS PART#TFS-51520004 GOT AT SUMMIT RACING 18002303030

 

[89Bronco58]

i really want all the "free" power i can get, by free i mean bolt on non power robbing upgrades, like a supercharger or soemnhting would be, i dream of a turbo bronco tho

 

[89Bronco58]

i just cheakced that part out, i think is BS about the heat, i do believe you can gaih HP strictly because it gives the air/fuel a better mix i guess but as for the heat thing, the heats going to travel thru the intake either way, under the hood is under the hood, but heres what it says it does for all to see

CNC-machined in the U.S.A. from premium phenolic material, Trick Flow's EFI heat spacers fit between the upper and lower intakes to create a heat flow barrier, keeping the air in the upper intake cooler and denser. In addition, these heat spacers will allow the use of taller valve covers by raising the intake's height. They're available in 3/8 in. and 1 in. thick versions, and include gaskets and longer mounting bolts.