How to remove center lower manifold nuts S2?

[Richard48Y]

I am baffled as to how the center lower manifold nuts are removed on an S2 wedge engine.
I cannot get a socket or a wrench to fit!
Even after removing the starter for access from below.
I hope a header upgrade will make reassembly simpler.
But for now the issue is how to get the manifolds off?

[314159td]

You have the cast iron combined intake/exhaust manifold, right?
Mine wouldn't fit an socket in a straight shot, I think I used those sockets with an integrated u-joint, 3/8" drive.

[kapps]

I recall that I also used a u-joint socket to remove them.

[Richard48Y]

I have an aluminum Warnford single Dellorto conversion and the cast iron exhast.
I cannot see how they got the center lower nuts tight.
I cannot get to them from any direction.
There is no room for any sort of socket or a wrench.
All I can think of is to grind a box end until it is very thin.

[TurboFource]

Can you post a pic?

[Richard48Y]

Finally got them after ruining a 13mm socket.
Ground it short and reduced diameter a LOT!
Even with that it barely got done.
Luckily the nuts were brass and did not stick.
I hope the new header exhaust will be much easier.

[kram350kram]

On reinstall maybe use a jet nut?

[Richard48Y]

The cast exhaust really has no space for a socket or wrench.
I did note that they were not as tight as expected.
I suspect a very thin wall 1/4" drive 13mm and swivel might have worked if I had them.
Just one more reason to use a tube exhaust when going back together.
I would also say to always use brass too.

[dakazman]

  Here is the stock manifold.
 I separated it here.
https://www.lotuseuropa.org/LotusForum/index.php?topic=2058.msg41022;topicseen#msg41022

Dman

[kapps]

I hated those nuts so much that I took some large (1/2” dia IIRC) shoulder bolts, cut them to length, drilled and tapped the end, and turned the OD of the head down for clearance. I basically made closed end manifold nuts that I can get to with an Allen hex socket. Add some copper anti-seize to the threads and never use a ball driver because if the hex ever rounds out, it’s going to be a very bad day.

[Richard48Y]

I like that.
I will also probably do something custom when it is time for reassembly.