Downpipe bolts?

**Bedwards** · 11-25-2009

How do you guys manage to get the stock downpipe off!? I sprayed a ton of PB Blaster on it and worked on that **** for hours. The bolts connecting to catback exhaust won't budge. The the next problem... I can't figure out how to get decent access to the nuts on the manifold. Any ideas? I'm frustrated. Lol.

I'm also curious if anyone knows the exact size of the bolts/nuts under there (diameter, thread pitch, shank length, grade, head and thread length), just incase I do break or strip them and need to go find a replacement.

Thanks guys.

**skidoojames151** · 11-25-2009

big ass extensions with a u joint, but i also had the car on a lift...try getting at them from the top?

**97gtsc** · 11-25-2009

Originally Posted by skidoojames151

big ass extensions with a u joint, but i also had the car on a lift...try getting at them from the top?

I lowered the back of the cradle for more access, if u wanna try that.
Also try using a torch to heat it up, makes bolts easer to come out
The bolts are metric (some were between 15-18) u will need them to be deep well too

**OH4CompG** · 11-25-2009

If they're really that hard to get off, you're probably going to break or strip them. Just take a cutoff wheel and zip the nuts off to get the exhaust separated off the cat-back then drill out the studs. Just run bolts like I did after that. As for the manifold to DP bolts, lots of PB blaster, long extension, swivel adapter, and some elbow grease should do.

**Bedwards** · 11-25-2009

Thanks guys. I'll give it another try.

**Feather Head** · 11-25-2009

Heat helps too.

**Bedwards** · 11-25-2009

Originally Posted by Feather Head

Heat helps too.

I don't have a torch.

**kfish** · 11-25-2009

use the size socket you need and a 4" extension and you can get directly on the dp bolts up at the rear mani. your arms are gonna itch like a mofo afterwords though lol. i think there is fiberglass in the dp tunnel.

**97gtsc** · 11-25-2009

Get a propane torch from any autoparts/hardware store

**99prixgt** · 11-26-2009

saws-all

**black98gt** · 11-26-2009

I jacked the car up, used a few extentions and a ratchet first to get them loose then used a impact gun. My impact wouldnt get them lose, I had to use the ratchet.

**TheOtherNick** · 11-26-2009

Originally Posted by black98gt

I jacked the car up, used a few extentions and a ratchet first to get them loose then used a impact gun. My impact wouldnt get them lose, I had to use the ratchet.

Need a better impact. Snapon FTW!!!

**Will5600** · 11-26-2009

breaker bar or a nice impact

**black98gt** · 12-13-2009

Originally Posted by 01GTP

Need a better impact. Snapon FTW!!!

Thats what I was using. Sometimes yer own strength is better off.

**TheOtherNick** · 12-14-2009

Originally Posted by black98gt

Thats what I was using. Sometimes yer own strength is better off.

1/2" or 3/8". My 1/2" drive could destroy those bolts if they did not want to come off. 3/8" yeah I could break tighter stuff loose with my own power.

**skidoojames151** · 12-18-2009

sorry, but snap on never made a good impact Ingersoll Rand TiMax would own them all day, same with CP

**JoelW98GTP** · 12-18-2009

I soaked mine in blaster over night and all the next day and that evening stripped the bolt head on the rear of the stock dp. Said F'it. Sent it to the exhaust shop and they put on my plog and dp, rewelded a new flange on the front of the resonator pipe. Cost.... $60. Worth every penny.