Quick Cat removal help

turtle64b

I got my Z1 test pipes yesterday but I'm stuck on my last two bolts connecting the cats to the exhaust manifolds. I did my best on the demon bolts, but they sheared, thankfully stuck in the cat and not the exhaust manifold. The bolts I can't seem to get out are the ones who's heads face towards the front of the car but there seems to be no feasible access point from the rear, which is where the photos are taken. I've searched for tips but they all relate to the demon bolts. I've attached pictures of the bolts from my vantage point. I would really appreciate any tips on how to attack these things! Thank you!!

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SouthArk370Z

Cut the studs/bolts with a saw or torch.

Cut the exhaust pipe near the flange so that you can remove the exhaust and have more room to work.

Beg/borrow/steal an impact wrench with extensions and flex joints.

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turtle64b

Extensions with flex joints broke one loose. Passenger side down. Wife is picking up a deep six point 14 so I can break loose the driver side one. I though the demon bolts were the ones that were a straight shot after removing the intakes with about 3ft of extensions. I think I may have been wrong haha...

barncobob

i had an exhaust stud and the nut wouldnt budge, got rounded, bought a ryobi 4" angle grinder ($29 at HD) and cutting blade, made short work of it.

SouthArk370Z

Glad to hear that you are making progress.

If the impact doesn't get the job done, see also barncobob's angle grinder suggestion.

__________________
Steering Lock Links - Search The370Z Bookmarklet - FSM @ NICOclub
Mankind has progressed past the need for war but we haven't evolved that far. - NachoMahma

turtle64b

Thanks for the tips guys! Torqued on that bolt like crazy until something gave. I heard something hit the ground and was like "crap". Look at the bolt and sure enough, I managed to break a flex joint and bend the stud about 15 degrees. Feeling dejected and out of options I went under there one more time to see if I could get some leverage. Apparently what I gave it was enough to set it wrench tight. Came off like nothing was wrong. As soon as the exhaust cools down, I'll tighten up the leaks and be extremely happy to say that I have DONE that haha.

Attached Images

20160122_150927.jpg (637.6 KB, 43 views)

barncobob

i like happy endings

Zero dark

Might be too late now but some advice is when you reinstall these, put the nut on the other side of how they were oem. That way you can loosen the cats or test pipes from under the car and don't have to go through engine bay

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