Y pipe question

[ryana83]

Hey guys,

I am about to start installing my Performance Plus Y-pipe that has been sitting in my room for a while. I tried all the sockets i had and none would fit. What size are the bolts holding the y-pipe to the exhaust manifolds? I had some socket that was close, but it felt like the studs were going to break off. Also, if we do break off the studs, how hard is it to drill them out and put new bolts in their place?

Thanks,
Ryan

 

[masho95]

15 mm deep socket will take the nuts off IIRC. Drilling out the studs is a PITA. Me and and my buddy broke all 4 studs on his 89 while doing a clutch and trust me it's not fun. We ended up drilling straight holes and using a bolt and 3 nut combo to simulate a stud combo. Eventually the exhaust manifolds got replaced with new studs when we did a motor swap. If you do a search for y-pipe stud removal or the like you should be able to find some good results for extraction. Good luck.

 

[autobahnsho]

LOTS of PB Blaster, or 3-in-1 penetrating oil for a while before you try them helps.

Also, if you can get a wire (like dremel or just a brush) and get the rust off the studs below the nut, it will help.

Put a torch on them, and you might get lucky getting them off w/out breaking them.

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When I took mine off they were 12 years old, I broke 3 of 4. I took the manifolds off the car (easier if the subframe, etc.. is removed for a clutch job!). Then I put the manifold in a vice, had a friend heat with the torch while I turned with a pipe wrench. Took 2 minutes per nut once they were in the vice.

Getting the manifolds on and off the car though...

 

[Bank of SHO]

...and 18mm on the spring bolts. I used a 7/8" open end wrench on the oxygen sensors.

My PP y-pipe had metal shavings from the drilled oxygen sensor mounts inside the pipes. I cleaned them out before installation.