so how to i get these bolts off without stripping...

i'm thinking impact screwdriver.

confirm?

update: confirmed. just picked one up at the store and worked like a charm

 

how big was it? i'm having the same issue getting that dam thing off. I already stripped one of my bolts I think I need to pull the manifold off now to fix it

 

if the philips slot is trashed... locking pliers or punch and hammer if you cant get in there

 

it's about 7" long and you'll need room to swing a hammer for impact.

i have the manifold off and it was a breeze. couldn't image a way to get it off in the engine bay

 

Use locking pliers like above noted. Anymore I don't even try to loosen them with a screwdriver, I just go straight to the vice-grips and then run the screw out with a screwdriver. Pretty much any small screw in the engine bay I do that with.

 

ya, I think i'm going to just pull the manifold off. I believe this is the culprit of my idle hunt, because I just noticed one of the screws is broken off inside of there.

came that way from japan, idk. lame tho for sure.