Hey all, I have spent the past 2 days replacing the stock exhaust system on my 96 GT. I successfully dropped the stock mufflers and put on a MAC catback system. I also purchased an X-pipe to replace the stock H-pipe but am having a hell of a time getting it off. Actually, I'm down to 2 bolts - the ones that connect to the passenger side exhaust manifold. Talk about a pain in the ass, there is no real good way to reach the one on the outside, and the one on the inside is so rusty that now my socket just spins.
I figure I have 2 options, either cut off the nuts and/or bolts using a Dremmel tool (hopefully not) or disconnect the manifold from the engine. The problem with option 2 is that I can't reach the bottom 3 bolts of the header, not enough room for my hand, let alone a wrench. The Ford service manual says I have to lift the engine to get it out, surely not! I'm just curious if anyone else has had these heartburns doing this type of job and what they recommend. Thanks!
I figure I have 2 options, either cut off the nuts and/or bolts using a Dremmel tool (hopefully not) or disconnect the manifold from the engine. The problem with option 2 is that I can't reach the bottom 3 bolts of the header, not enough room for my hand, let alone a wrench. The Ford service manual says I have to lift the engine to get it out, surely not! I'm just curious if anyone else has had these heartburns doing this type of job and what they recommend. Thanks!