Downpipe to Exhaust Bolts

[Manuel]

Wondering if the bolts connecting the stock downpipe to the exhaust are removable? When doing my MAP exhaust install I wasn't able to get them loose. MAP provided some new bolts with lock washers, but the new bolts would have been too large for the stock downpipe anyways.

I ask since I noticed some carbon buildup on the outside of the front of midpipe between the exhaust and downpipe, suggesting things aren't tightened up enough.

Pic of bolts in question: (Note: bolts weren't tightened up yet)

 

[haste]

They definitely are. I have seen a thread or two about them being cross threaded and hard to remove. The trick is...an impact is your friend.

PB blaster or liqud wrench can help. If you have a mini torch you could heat up one side of the nut and try again...

 

[koozy]

part of the problem why it could be leaking is that you're not using washers and the nut is getting caught in the hole before it's really all the way tightened. the nuts and holes on the catback look like they're getting mangled.

 

[twolf]

No, they're studs, not bolts. You can press them out.

One of mine broke so I took it to an exhaust shop and had them hammer them out. Much easier to do on a lift.

The bolts are included for people who have an aftermarket downpipe.

 

[Manuel]

part of the problem why it could be leaking is that you're not using washers and the nut is getting caught in the hole before it's really all the way tightened. the nuts and holes on the catback look like they're getting mangled.

Good point. I think I'll pick up some washers when I get under there to swap out the hangers. Thanks!

No, they're studs, not bolts. You can press them out.

One of mine broke so I took it to an exhaust shop and had them hammer them out. Much easier to do on a lift.

The bolts are included for people who have an aftermarket downpipe.

That's what I figured - shame too, they are much nicer quality than the stock ones. Guess I'll have to do a downpipe someday too...

 

[twolf]

Those studs also look way too short for use with that flange thickness.

 

[Manuel]

Those studs also look way too short for use with that flange thickness.

Nothing's tightened up in that pic. The MAP flange isn't that much thicker than stock.

 

[Manuel]

Well the combination of a new gasket and washers on the downpipe bolts seems to have fixed all of my leaking issues! This is a pic after a couple hundred miles of spirited driving:

No carbon buildup whatsoever.

 

[koozy]

nice. just an fyi... Cobb, DHM and perhaps a few other use washer nuts with their downpipe/exhaust avoiding the use of an extra washer.

 

[Manuel]

nice. just an fyi... Cobb, DHM and perhaps a few other use washer nuts with their downpipe/exhaust avoiding the use of an extra washer.

FWIW they did include a new set of bolts, nuts, and lock washers, but the bolts were too large to fit in the stock downpipe holes.

 

[Andrew_104]

Well the combination of a new gasket and washers on the downpipe bolts seems to have fixed all of my leaking issues! This is a pic after a couple hundred miles of spirited driving:

No carbon buildup whatsoever.

I know this is much later. But could you tell me the size of bolts, nuts and washers you used. I'm going to be putting a thermal exhaust on my stock downpipe and want to have the hardware on hand in case something goes wrong.

 

[Thatreinleboy]

I know this is much later. But could you tell me the size of bolts, nuts and washers you used. I'm going to be putting a thermal exhaust on my stock downpipe and want to have the hardware on hand in case something goes wrong.

Did you ever get a reply