Ok, there must be one or two bolts on the backside of the engine preventing me from pulling the head off, but I can't find them! The front side is free, I can stick my finger between the head and the block. I'm attempting to pull the head with the intake mani attached, but something must still be bolted to the block.

From underneath the car I see a plastic box, which I assume is a vacuum canister for the cruise control or something. I find 2 nuts on the bottom side and one on the top passenger side, but I still can't get it off. Behind that plastic canister is a metal bracket that I assume is the only thing still keeping the head from lifting off. Can anyone please help??!!

Thank you!!

did u take off the brakets that go from the back bottom part of the intake manifold to the block?

^^Work in progress pic
www.fastfabrications.com

the black box is for your cruise. I'm pretty the alternator bracket is both on the block and the head, check that. I"m trying to visualize all that crap back there, its been a year since i've built the motor.

Yeah, I'm pretty sure it's that bracket that goes from the intake mani to the block that's causing the problem, but I can't get to it. That plastic box is still in the way. I removed 3 mounting nuts for it, am I missing one??

We removed the alternator bracket already. I was hoping that was it. :P

yeah, i'm an asshat. there are two supporting brackets for the intake mani. thats your problem young grasshopper

i found it easiest to get to them from under the car

^^Work in progress pic
www.fastfabrications.com

On mine the Cruise box was a pain to remove because the box does not just slide off the studs. there are only three bolts you got that right, gently pry from the top with a long sleder screwdriver with that black box till it pops off. you can the reach down under the mani with a short ratcher and shallow 15mm to loosen the boltsholding you up.

Terry

96 Eagle talon ESI
Star Stage II - Boost/oil/EGT gauges

97 Eclipse
Greddy header/evo exhaust - Stage 2 6 puck Sprung hub MIBA clutch - Shortened shifter - Koni Yellows w/eibach prokit - Stillen Fr/Rr swaybars - ceramic intake - DEI Keyless entry alarm - Niche 17" Shoks

Waiting to be installed: Apexi AFC, HKS EVC IV, ceramic intake, 450 Turbo injectors, SFMU/return line, GSX Front brakes (need rotors)