I'm using a 20" extension + a 6" extension no flex joint, I got a solid grip on the bolt. damn thing is no joke, I think my ratchet is going to snap before the bolt breaks. This is one tough puppy

 

The drama continues, Me vs. Car:

Me 0 : Car 2

The car has busted one small 3 extension, and 1 Rachet

all 3/8"s drive, I'd use 1/2" but there's this bar next to the bolt that doesn't allow me to use it.

 

i just got mine off a few hours ago. PB blaster penetrating oil and use the least amount of extensions hooked together as possible. i got a buddy to use a pry bar and lay under the car and hold the cat away from the steering shaft so that i could get the socket on all the way. if not then you will stip the head of the bolt. i used a breaker bar and it came off relatively easy. you have to go from the top with the intake tube off though. a tip i got on here

 

I'll buy some PB blaster and give it a shot, I think it may make the difference. The steering shaft caused me to use a 3/8 drive socket instead of 1/2. I'm doing it beneath the intake. I hope I can avoid breaking another rachet lol.

 

Try a breaker bar. i couldn't get enough leverage off using a ratchet. and i didn't want to risk breaking a ratchet. but try the PB blaster and let it soak in for a while. then spray it again right before you try to loosen the bolt. just make sure that that socket is all the way down on the bolt head. i made that mistake my first few tries and rounded the top of the bolt off. luckily i got it all the way on there and tried one more time and it came right now. good luck with it man. post how everything goes.

 

just use a torch. This is an easy way. However, be careful, or simply have someone who knows how to use it

 

So none of you guys are using impact guns? Using a breaker/cheater bar won't solve the problem. You need something to hit the bolts to break them loose. Applying direct and constant torque isn't the answer.

 

I broke a 3/8" drive socket on my first attempt on the drivers side. I then went to the 1/2" drive socket, used a 1/2" swivel, a bunch of 1/2" extensions, 1/2" breaker bar, and then a 4' pipe over the breaker bar (again). One person held the rotating end of the breaker bar steady, and I applied force to the end of the 4' pipe until I heard something break, which turned out to be the (top) bolt, which was a wonderful thing. The bottom two were relatively easy from below, and then it dropped out like a piece if cake. I did the bottom bolts last, because I think it makes the top as easy as it's going to be. I got the passenger side from underneath, with the 1/2" swivel (again). I'm surprised the shop couldn't do it, which makes you wonder about the shop. Good luck!

 

I took my car to GT Motorsports. they used an impact gun and it didn't do ****.

 

I'm trying to do the pipe thing myself but that bolt is beating my tools to death lol. I just bought the PB blaster, autozone carries it.

 

Agreed Impact guns work wonders...mine were easy with the use of an impact gun

 

yeah i used a 2ft breaker bar.

have patience. drink a beer or two.
take the driver side intake off. get imaginative with extensions and get to that bolt from there.

dont worry its not as bad as it seems

 

then they are wrong, trust me i have done them together and done the manifold on the HR more than a couple times.

 

damn it... if freaken stripped! damn I regret taking it to that last shop. it was partially stripped, now it's a done deal.

I'm thinking of trying to drill it out... via drill bit extension? don't know if it will work or not =/

 

Man i feel so bad for you bro. This is the biggest pain the ***. My freind also tried to remove his stock cats but stripped the bolt. He's keeping his stock cats for now. Best of luck

 

yeah this really sux. just 1 bolt... all the bolts are fine, but the on top driver's side bolt.

Any suggestions... besides removing the header? Tools? special saws that may be able to reach this bolt? Grinding it down using a drill bit extension?

I'm trying to think some things, but I don't know what will work.

 

Is it the head of the bolt that is stripped? I bought this kit at sears that was specifically made for stripped bolts. Essentially, it's an "add-on" to your stripped bolt. It has grooves in the middle that dig into the stripped head, and you can fit a wrench over the "add-on"

 

Now I'm cared to put my test pipes on when they come next week lol.

 

yes the head stripped, it's rounded out. how much does that kit run?

I'm thinking of grinding the head off with a die grinder. good thing I have an air compressor.

 

if the head of the bolt is broken off the cat will slip off right? it's not fully threaded by any chance is it?

anyone who knows?