emmision tube removal questions

[slowhatch82]

Smog pump is long gone as well as the tubes to the cats, but the ones off the back off the heads are still there and piss me off, I can count how many times I banged my hand on that bitch while moving some wires around.

What size bolts to plug those little ****ters?

 

[notchback]

sounds like you need some F4ZZ-6E086-A thermactor inserts.

or you can take off that "y" pipe, cut the ends..silicone them up and put them on the opposite sides...that's the ghetto fix to plug the holes

 

[86T-Top]

Or you can buy 2 bolts from a hardware store. The bolt you need is 5/8" about a 1/2" in length to get the job done.

Mario

 

[slowhatch82]

The 5/8 bolt, is it coarse or fine threaded? I plan on takin those suckers off tommorow if its not raining, and finishing up my electric fan install...

 

[1989MustangLX]

Spark plug thread works. Mine currently has the "ghetto" setup.

 

[slowhatch82]

got ya, thanks man! still haven't had luck with those damn headrests yet...im gona give up soon!

 

[5spd GT]

. If you are going to delete the smog pump then you will need a threaded insert known as a thermactor plug. They screw into the back and front of your heads. Put silicone on the threads to prevent any exhaust leak when installing them. The thermactor plugs you will use for the front (same as back) will go to make the head holes smaller so the accessories can bolt up like your power steering stud and one of your bigger alternator bolts that go through you alternator bracket. The back thermactor plugs you will use just block off and delete the smog equipment’s previous hookups. You can get them at a Ford Dealership - part # F4ZZ-6E086-A or you can buy some from Summitracing - part # TFS-51400265 and they run anywhere from $3 to $12 dollars from what I have seen. Summit has them cheaper.

 

[86T-Top]

Its a 5/8" - 11 thread bolt or a coarse bolt. Just so you know, you will probably have to clean out the threads in the head first b4 you put the bolts in, as they will be filled with carbon.

Mario

 

[88 Fox GT]

Well, since my 88 GT is just my daily driver right now, I will be doing it the ghetto way by pinching up the tube. It's a pain in the ass trying to clean out and insert a bolt in the hole back there. But, if you want it to look good, I suggest doing it that way.

 

[slowhatch82]

awesome, thats why I love this board, so much info. haha

thanks again

Chris

 

[89MustangGX]

Or you can buy 2 bolts from a hardware store. The bolt you need is 5/8" about a 1/2" in length to get the job done.

I couldn't find any this short -- no matter where I looked. I ended up getting longer ones and cuting them off to about 1/2". Just an FYI for when you're out looking...

 

[slowhatch82]

yep, went looking yesterday, all I found were 1 1/2 inchers. Now someone said spark plug threads will work...neither of the two threads I found were plug threads. Can you just use the finer thread bolt? The coarse thread was huge.

 

[89MustangGX]

yep, went looking yesterday, all I found were 1 1/2 inchers. Now someone said spark plug threads will work...neither of the two threads I found were plug threads. Can you just use the finer thread bolt? The coarse thread was huge.

It is a pretty good sized bolt. I don't like the spark plug idea myself -- nor do I know if they will fit right. If you get one of those 1 1/2" bolts -- just put it in a vise and use a hacksaw to cut it down to about 1/2" and work the cut edge over with a file real quick so it's not burred. It will go right in assuming your carbon isn't too bad. Even if it is gummed up in there, the bolt head will give you something to grab onto -- unlike the inerts that are supposed to be in there. I had them but couldn't get them in, so I went with bolts and it's been great.

 

[Mark89coupe]

How much HP for smog removal?

Im going to be installing thumper heads soon and was doing a search to see if its worth it to take out the smog tubes and put in the thermactor plugs in the heads.
How much HP will I gain? Is it worth it? The tight engine bay doesnt bother me much.