Removal Procedure
- Remove the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S). Refer to 
Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 2 Sensor 1.
 
- Fully raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to 
Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
 
- Remove the catalytic converter to exhaust manifold nuts. (1500 series shown, 2500 series similar).
 
- Remove the front wheel house liner - right side. Refer to 
Front Wheelhouse Liner Replacement - Right Side.
 
- Partially lower the vehicle in order to work through the wheel opening.
 
- Remove the spark plug wires (1) from the spark plugs.
 
| 6.1.  | Twist the spark plug wire boot a 1/2 turn. | 
 
| 6.2.  | Pull only on the boot in order to remove the wire from the spark plug. | 
 
- Remove the spark plug wires from the ignition coils.
 
| 7.1.  | Twist the spark plug wire boot a 1/2 turn. | 
 
| 7.2.  | Pull only on the boot in order to remove the wire from the ignition coil. | 
 
- Remove the oil level indicator tube from the engine block. Refer to 
Oil Level Indicator and Tube Replacement.
 
- Remove the exhaust manifold bolts and exhaust manifold.
 
- Remove and discard the exhaust manifold gasket.
 
- Remove and discard the exhaust manifold seal.
 
- If replacing the exhaust manifold, remove the exhaust manifold heat shield bolts, and shield from the exhaust manifold.
 
Installation Procedure
Note: 
|    •  | 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 3 threads of the bolt. | 
 
Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.
- If the exhaust manifold was replaced, position and install the exhaust manifold heat shield, and bolts to the exhaust manifold.
 
Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 9 N·m (80 lb in).
- Clean the threads of the exhaust manifold bolts.
 
- 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.
 
- Install a NEW catalytic converter seal to the exhaust manifold.
 
- Position the NEW exhaust manifold gasket and exhaust manifold to the cylinder head.
 
- Ensure that the catalytic converter seal is seated to the catalytic converter.
 
- Install the exhaust manifold bolts.
 
Tighten
- Tighten the bolts a first pass to 15 N·m (11 lb ft). Tighten the exhaust manifold bolts beginning with the center 2 bolts. Alternate from side-to-side, and work toward the outside bolts.
 
- Tighten the bolts a final pass to 20 N·m (15 lb ft). Tighten the exhaust manifold bolts beginning with the center 2 bolts. Alternate from side-to-side, and work toward the outside bolts.
 
- Using a flat punch, bend the gasket tab at the rear of the gasket around the cylinder head edge.
 
- Install the oil level indicator tube to the engine block. Refer to 
Oil Level Indicator and Tube Replacement.
 
- Install the spark plug wires (1) to the spark plugs.
 
- Install the spark plug wires to the ignition coils.
 
- Inspect the spark plug wires for proper installation.
 
| 12.1.  | Push sideways on each boot in order to inspect the seating. | 
 
| 12.2.  | Reinstall any loose boot. | 
 
- Fully raise and support the vehicle.
 
- Install the catalytic converter to exhaust manifold nuts. (1500 series shown, 2500 series similar).
 
Tighten
Tighten the nuts to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).
- Partially lower the vehicle in order to work through the wheel opening.
 
- Install the front wheel house liner - right front. Refer to 
Front Wheelhouse Liner Replacement - Right Side.
 
- Install the HO2S. Refer to 
Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 2 Sensor 1.
 
- Inspect the exhaust system for leaks.