Recently bought a hughes plenum. Was wondering what tools would be needed. And the skill level required to do it myself. I have a pretty basic understanding of mechanics but not much. And not too much experience

 

Basic hand tools is all you need. The only 'special' tool you will need is the nifty little feller for the quick disconnect for the fuel line to fuel rail. Your local parts store will have them hanging somewhere. You want the 3/8ths feller. Well, ok, need a torque wrench too..... 3/8ths drive should be adequate to the task. (nothing gets torqued really hard....) If you don't have one, and don't wanna buy one, you can rent one from the same parts store you get the disconnect tool from.

The job really isn't that bad, if everything goes as planned. Trouble is, that seldom happens. Intake manifold bolts like to break, and those can be a real chore to get out. Another point to make is cleanliness. The mating surfaces have to be PRISTINE to get a good seal. A little RTV around the coolant passages isn't a bad idea either. Don't take much.

For broken bolts, vice-grips and a hammer work pretty good. Clean out at the base of the bolt as good as you can, hit it with some PB Blaster (or, penetrating lube of your choice....) grab the bolt with the vice-grips, and tap gently on the bolt with the hammer, while you try and work the bolt back and forth with the vice grips. It's break loose eventually, and then you can just unthread it the rest of the way. This method works REALLY well for me.