+1.... I used (3) 10" extensions on the driver's side. Also need to take the airbox out for that route. The passenger side is easier.

 

this is on an 07 and different then 03-06
That is all.

 

The evening before installing test pipes spray all hardware with penetrating solvent.

EDIT. Oh it’s a little late for that advise.

 

Did my 07's the same way I did my 05's. Thiry minutes tops. The 07 has a different angle on it but not to bad if you have the RIGHT tools. Always lube exhaust bolts pior to removing.

On jackstands in my garage.

 

I just went through the same thing with my Invidia catback...

Cars at Mieneke now lol

 

without air tools, cat bolts will wreck your world. Doesn't matter what year car...

You have to go through the top to get any sort of leverage on it. You can get it through the bottom but your doing it the hard way. Those bitches are on there and breaking it loose from your back in a cramped space doesn't cut it. '07 is more crammed than previous years but you can still get to it from the top. You'll have to remove both intake tubes though. Good luck with things.

 

well. i just talked to tony at fast intentions, and theyre gonna be busy till next week...so i guess im SOL till then. I guess i should have them install the test pipes while theyre at it, cause they have to take out the cat to get the broken bolt out anyway.

 

that sucks... do you think it's leaking? the broken bolt should kinda still be holding stuff together until then...

 

it doesnt hiss or anything, but its probably leaking because i can smell the fumes.

 

This job really should be done with air tools. If you have very low mileage on the exhaust you may be ok with hand tools. As time goes on the bolts and nuts begin to rust together. Think about all those puddles you hit that splash water all over those hot exhaust bolts/nuts.

Anyway, the easiest way to get that top nut is from the top like everyone else here has already stated. You need a long extension and an impact swivel. You should be able to break it loose with a breaker bar but an impact gun will work much better. You run a much higher risk of snapping the bolt with a breaker bar than you do with an impact gun. With an impact gun you hit it in reverse for a second then forward for a second then reverse again then forward again.... Until it breaks loose.

 

ALWAYS spray the **** out of the exhaust bolts with some liquid wrench the night before. **** even use the whole damn can if you have too

 

Yeah...the car only has 7500 miles on it. If i had an impact gun i would have used it, but an impact wrench and an air compressor gets pricey. Its definately a good tool to have though. It would make so many things easeir. Its on my "to buy" list..

 

lawl sry i had to. But yeah any shop could get around that **** up. Installing TPs is a PAIN.

<a href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j298/nstyz33/?action=view&current=CIMG5135.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j298/nstyz33/CIMG5135.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

 

custom breaker bar FTW! I love my rusty pipe.


how I got to it.

Before doing anything I sprayed every bolt down with liquid wrench give it 20 or so minutes then did it again. Then removed the bolts. Wasn't that bad.

 

a local shop told me to spray them when they are cold, then run the car for a bit and let things heat up. repeat this a couple times. said it should help with the expand/contract with getting the liquid wrench all over the bolts. don't know if this is true.....also know this won't help the OP at all at this point.

 

Not a bad idea if you know ahead of time the bolts will be a total PITA, my cats were not bad, it took some force but as soon as it was applied they snapped free.

 

hahahhaa that pretty much sums it up.


Jeffie, thats a pretty crazy looking extension setup... fock i wish i asked about it on the forum before actually doing it first.

 

Try installing a 3" up pipe and 3" down pipe on the drivers side of the engine where the cat goes.