Hey guys I am in the process of installing my Motordyne Art Pipes. I am 3 bolts away from being able to remove the stock catalytic converters and bolt up the art pipes. For those of you who have done this, how in the hell do you get the bottom bolt/nut off?! The one I am referring to is the bottom one of the triangle shaped flange from where the manifold connects to the catalytic converter. It is facing towards the front of the car so there is little room to work with. I need help ASAP, thanks guy!

 

Check the DIY section


skip to 2:06

 

I guess I just need to figure out the best combination of wobbles and extensions. The drive side bottom bolt on the catalytic converter is not accessible (at least to my knowledge) from the top of the motor. The driver side of the VQ37VHR is more crowded, due to what I think are AC lines, than the passenger side.

 

the fast intentions instructions say to disconnect and mark the steering shaft, then slide the shaft out of the way

 

Take off the drivers side front wheel.... You can easily get to the bolt from the wheel well.

PB blaster the F^ck out of it, then use a breaker bar with a cheater pipe. It will either break free or just break off the bolt head. Either way, you win.

 

Also, USE THE CORRECT METRIC BOLT.

It is unbelievably difficult to round off a bolt if you're using the appropriate SIX sided metric socket. Do NOT use the 12 point metric socket and for the love of science, do not use an imperial socket.

 

I've got everything off. Do I need to bang out the stud that is remaining on the top of each flange on the manifold? Or can I simply reuse it?
Also it seems that I was sent the wrong gaskets and now I'm stuck again! Beyond furious. Correct me if I'm wrong but the gaskets that go in between the manifold and art pipe should be a triangle shaped 3 bolt hole gasket right? What I was sent was a metal O-ring gasket that looks like the OEM gasket but this will not work because there is no lip for it. Are the Motordyne gaskets even worth it or should I go with Z1 Metal gaskets? I want the best option that will cause no leaks in the exhaust.

 

The oval gasket is for the cat to y-pipe connection. There should be two, one for each side.