04 Grand Prix Catalytic Converter Replacement Help

[digitalhops]

Hello,
I'm wondering if I'm completely missing something, but I'm replacing the catalytic converter on my 04 Grand Prix GTP and need help. It's an Eastern, nothing crazy, direct fit.

I can't for the life of me figure out how to remove the front bolts, where it connects to the exhaust manifold. I was able to loosen the right bolt, but I fought with the left bolt for 2 hours. Other than it being a super tight fit and needing to reach it basically from laying on the engine, I've tried various tools with extenders, etc., but nothing would grip the bolt.

Does anyone have experience with this specifically on an 04 GTP?

Thanks

 

[Fivefingerdeathpunch]

Long extension from under the car with a impact always worked for me or a breaker bar.

It helps to heat the bolt up with a torch, they come out alot easier.

 

[digitalhops]

Thanks! I tried from under the car but couldn't get a good angle on it. I was able to get the right one loosened from the top of the car, reaching behind the engine. I guess that's the main problem, was just trying to get a socket, wrench, etc., to fit on the bolt. Do you remember what tool combination you used with the impact?

 

[Scottydoggs]

mine stripped out, i used a wrench on the top side and a ratchet with a long extension on the bottom. one side came out, the other side came loose but froze and stripped out, so the angle grinder came into play and i cut the bolt head off. it was rather tight with a 4 inch cut off disk, so if you got a smaller one it would be bast if it comes to cutting em off.

 

[digitalhops]

Oh man, that's what I'm hoping to avoid (cutting the bolt off)! I think I may try an impact wrench with an extender and a universal swivel socket, from underneath the car. The bolts angle down toward the ground, which makes it near impossible to get leverage through the engine bay.