Arrrghh, another issue with clutch install

[jeraldjcook]

So I get the car up on jack stands last night so I can install my new clutch and had to stop after about 10 minutes. It turns out the steel tubing for the smog pump running from the cats up into the engine bay is welded so it forms a single tube. That raises two problems: (1) I don’t have the height clearance with the car on jack stands to drop the H-pipe and keep everything intact; and (2) Even if I had the height clearance, the smog tubing is going to prevent the h-pipe from sliding forward so I can remove it from its mounts.

So, I’m thinking my only option is to start cutting. Could somebody provide me with a photo and/or advice on how to properly hook this back up? Is the tubing normally connected with compressed flanges (like where the headers meet the H-pipe) or some other type of connection? Is the tubing that connects between the two cats and then up to the smog pump lines a factory part or something I would need to fabricate myself? Any advice would be appreciated. If I can just get the clutch replaced and fix this later that would be my preference. I just bought the car and haven’t even had the chance to really drive the darn thing because of the clutch.

 

[Darkwriter77]

NAPA sells high-temp silicone hose. It's expensive stuff, but you'll only need a little. Cut the smog tubing at a place as far away from the cats (heat) as you can, and then later use the high-temp hose (5/8" I think) and two hose clamps to reconnect both ends of the tube.

 

[1990Coupe]

way off topic - dude your car is beautiful i love it

 

[RYC CUKR]

Sweet car.

Back on topic, I think that Darkwriter has the best idea. It seems that any way you cut it you are gonna have to cut it.

Kinda been in the same boat you are now. I swapped the clutch on my bro's 89 many years ago and found out that the PO had the H pipe welded to the headers. There was no flange to unbolt the H from the headers just welded right together. There was a some cutting and a lot of cursing involved in that clutch swap.

 

[ID89GT]

That engine looks good, I don't see why so many people don't like the SSI intake, I think it looks pretty good

 

[86turbo]

just cut it and do like others said.

 

[jeraldjcook]

Thanks for the input everyone and the kind words about my new ride. I've got to dig 100 post holes for my new fence this weekend so I'll start cutting the next. Thanks again.