I installed my OBX stainless header and downpipe today. Everything went very smoothly except for the bolts that hold the downpipe to the cat. They were seized pretty good. I used PB Blaster, a MAPP gas torch, impact gun, wrench, wrench with a hammer and still couldn't break them loose. I eventually ended up rounding the heads off with the wrench. I then used my dremel to cut the heads off, and went through about 20 cutting discs. I still can't get the bolts out of the cat though. Right now my car is really loud, so I am going to plan on taking it to an exhaust shop tomorrow or Monday morning to pull them out and put some new ones in.

If anyone has some tips on how to get those mothers out, please let me know. I won't be able to get a drill in there without pulling the whole cat out. Advice would be greatly appreciated.

Andy

MonteSS86@hotmail.com

Pull the cat, it's not time consuming. Spray the PB Blaster on the bolts about 10 minutes before you go at them. Spray WD-40 on the rubber mounts so they will slide off easily.

I'm very surprise you couldn't get it w/ torch, let alone an impact wrench. You should have kept the heat on the center of the bolt longer (untill it was glowing), or used a more powerfull impact wrench.

Same problem here.
I used the touch, used a 3 feet long ranch...still can't take that bolt off...and finally I cut it off with dremel... but now I have to find a way to take those broken bolts out... how...
HOW..>????

Gil

Dill it, then use a stud extractor.

I'm gettin ready to install my obx header and I hope I don't run into this much trouble.....I'll be pissed

Originally posted by WickedESi
Dill it, then use a stud extractor.

Dill it? I am going to take it into work tomorrow I think. I work for Dana Corp. I am going to use their Oxy-acetlyn torch on it, that better get it hot enough. They have more powerful impacts too. The threads are so destroyed on the bolts I don't think a stud extractor would work. Worse case senario, I have to grind the bolts off and then drill them out somehow. Blah, I hate doing this shit. I am still open to any other ideas.

Andy

Get a high flow cat and new bolts.

I got an idea last night. I am going to take a nut and weld it on the part of the bolt sticking out, and then use the torch. I will use the impact gun on the welded nut to try and break it loose. If that does work I will get a BFW, Big F'in Wrench!!!

Wish me luck!

Andy

I got the studs out of the cat. I welded a nut onto the stud, and used a pretty powerful impact gun. They came right out.

Andy

me with no impact gun...I guess I can only try to touch it!
Gil

The torch is the best method. That's what exhaust shops do.

If you do it and it doesn't work, torch the center of it longer.

Just be careful when playing with fire.