GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Exhaust Manifold Replacement - Right Side 4.8L, 5.3L, and 6.0L Engines

  1. Remove the oil level indicator tube. Refer to Oil Level Indicator and Tube Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 4.8L, 5.3L, and 6.0L.

  2. Object Number: 858553  Size: SH
  3. Remove the ignition coils. Refer to Ignition Coil Replacement in Engine Controls - 4.8L, 5.3L, and 6.0L.
  4. Remove the spark plugs. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement in Engine Controls - 4.8L, 5.3L, and 6.0L.
  5. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  6. Remove the exhaust manifold pipe nuts.
  7. Lower the vehicle.

  8. Object Number: 858557  Size: SH
  9. Remove the exhaust manifold bolts, manifold, and gasket.
  10. Discard the gasket.

  11. Object Number: 492768  Size: SH
  12. Remove the heat shield bolts (1), and shield (2) from the exhaust manifold (1), if necessary.
  13. Clean and inspect the exhaust manifold, if the manifold is not being replaced. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Cleaning and Inspection in Engine Mechanical - 4.8L, 5.3L, and 6.0L.

Installation Procedure

    Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 492768  Size: SH
  1. Install the heat shield (2), and bolts (1) to the exhaust manifold (1), if necessary.
  2. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 9 N·m (80 lb in).


    Object Number: 858557  Size: SH

    Important: 

       • Tighten the exhaust manifold bolts as specified in the service procedure. Improperly installed and/or leaking exhaust manifold gaskets may affect vehicle emissions and/or On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) II system performance.
       • The cylinder head exhaust manifold bolt hole threads must be clean and free of debris or threadlocking material.
       • Do not apply sealant to the first three threads of the bolt.

  3. Apply a 5 mm (0.2 in) wide band of threadlock GM P/N 12345493 (Canadian P/N 10953488), or equivalent to the threads of the exhaust manifold bolts.
  4. Install the exhaust manifold, NEW gasket and bolts.
  5. Tighten

    1. Tighten the bolts a first pass to 15 N·m (11 lb ft). Tighten the exhaust manifold bolts beginning with the center two bolts. Alternate from side-to-side, and work toward the outside bolts.
    2. Tighten the bolts a final pass to 25 N·m (18 lb ft). Tighten the exhaust manifold bolts beginning with the center two bolts. Alternate from side-to-side, and work toward the outside bolts.
  6. Using a flat punch, bend over the exposed edge of the exhaust manifold gasket at the front of the right cylinder head.
  7. Install the spark plugs. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement in Engine Controls - 4.8L, 5.3L, and 6.0L.
  8. Install the ignition coils. Refer to Ignition Coil Replacement in Engine Controls - 4.8L, 5.3L, and 6.0L.
  9. Install the oil level indicator tube. Refer to Oil Level Indicator and Tube Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 4.8L, 5.3L, and 6.0L.
  10. Raise the vehicle.

  11. Object Number: 858553  Size: SH
  12. Install the exhaust manifold pipe nuts.
  13. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

  14. Lower the vehicle.

Exhaust Manifold Replacement - Right Side 8.1L Engine

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 470704  Size: SH
  1. Remove the wheelhouse panel. Refer to Wheelhouse Panel Replacement in Body Front End.
  2. Remove the oil level indicator. Refer to Oil Level Indicator and Tube Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 8.1L.
  3. Important: Twist the spark plug boot one-half turn in order to release the boot. Pull on the spark plug boot only. Do not pull on the spark plug or the wire could be damaged.

  4. Remove the spark plug wires from the spark plugs and ignition coils.
  5. Remove the spark plugs. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement in Engine Controls - 8.1L.
  6. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.

  7. Object Number: 858564  Size: SH
  8. Remove the exhaust manifold heat shield bolts and nuts.
  9. Remove the exhaust manifold heat shield.
  10. Lower the vehicle.

  11. Object Number: 470719  Size: SH
  12. Remove the exhaust manifold bolt and nuts.
  13. Remove the exhaust manifold.
  14. Remove and discard the exhaust manifold gasket.
  15. Clean and inspect the exhaust manifold. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Cleaning and Inspection .

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 470719  Size: SH
  1. Install the a NEW exhaust manifold gasket.
  2. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  3. Install the exhaust manifold.
  4. Install the exhaust manifold bolt and nuts.
  5. Tighten

        • Tighten the bolt to 35 N·m (26 lb ft).
        • Tighten the nuts to 16 N·m (12 lb ft).
  6. Raise and suitably support the vehicle with safety stands.

  7. Object Number: 858564  Size: SH
  8. Install the exhaust manifold heat shield.
  9. Install the exhaust manifold heat shield bolts and nuts.
  10. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts/nuts to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

  11. Lower the vehicle.
  12. Install the spark plugs. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement in Engine Controls - 8.1L.

  13. Object Number: 470704  Size: SH

    Important: Fully install the spark plug wires by pushing on the exposed end of the spark plug boot. Do not push the spark plug wire on to the spark plug by using the metal heat shield.

  14. Install the spark plug wires to the spark plugs and ignition coils.
  15. Install the oil level indicator. Refer to Oil Level Indicator and Tube Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 8.1L.
  16. Install the wheelhouse panel. Refer to Wheelhouse Panel Replacement in Body Front End.