I finaly got the exhaust manifold off after 5 hours, I cannot get the O2 sensor off the downpipe. Can I just cut the wires off and solder it back on when I'm done modifying the HRC downpipe to it? The hardest part is taking all this stuff off. I'll keep you men updated. Thanks.

Damn man 5 hrs, takes me like 11 minuits to get my header off! :). I had a hell of a time with my o2 also, but it eventully came off, if you have to cut em, defintally use solder and some heat shrink, should be ok.

can't you just disconnect the harness?
anyway eventually you'll need to take the sensor off to replace, it was a bitch for me too but i did it after it was there for 7 years and 90K and i'm no hulk, i used a bunch of liquid wrench and wd-40 and a big wrench and after a while it gave.

well I disconnected the O2 harness, but I didn't get it off the downpipe. Is there really a need to? I mean I only have to cut 2 1/2 inch off from the top right? If that's the case do I need to remove the whole downpipe at all? The downpipe will not come off easily. The bolt is rusted and seems like it's welded on to the cat con. HELP! Another thing, the first hole on the left of headers still has the screw in there. I removed all the other 7 bolts and got the header off, but there's the last bolt in the upper left. Should I just keep it on there and put the turbo manifold over it and use it to tighten the mani?