I decided to put in my SLP headers in my '97 LT1 while my transmission was being built. I have everything off, except for one nut on the pass side Y-pipe to manifold flange. The bolt/nut sits right over the bend that leads to the rear of the car. I have been trying for days to get it off. No combination of universal joints, extensions, etc. has worked so far.

If I use extensions with a universal joint to clear the pipe, the socket will slip off the nut when torqued, rounding it off a little each time. If I use a socket/wrench that's small enough to fit in there, the wrench cannot turn because there is no room.

I have to get this finished. My trans should be done soon, and I have to finish this before the trans comes in. I would just cut the d@mn thing off if I could get my cut-off wheel up there.

Are there any suggestions on what I should do???

 

Home depot and Autozone sells these sockets with reversed groves to get any bolt out. Made by Irwin. I have used them countless times and they always work. Remember to heat the bolts up with a torch for the bolts dont snap in half. Those old rusty bolts snap all the time.

 

So if the nut becomes completely rounded, I can use that to get it off (provided I can get a wrench in there any way)? Thanks for the tip!

 

Anyone have any suggestions? How did other people unbolt the y-pipe?

 

I ran into your same problem, and dont remember exactly what I used to get it off. I sprayed lots of "PB Blaster" on it, let it sit, sprayed/sit again. And used every combination of sockets and extensions imaginable. I eventually ended up only being able to turn it a tiny bit each time, but it did come off. Oh and if it breaks, no biggie, your putting headers on anyway right?

 

with a sawzall. its not like i planned to remove the stock y-pipe to be reused again. i hacked it into about 3 pieces as close as i could reach the manifolds and pulled them out the top. then unbolted what was left of the y-pipe in a vise w/vise grips and a 3/4 cheeter bar. sold the manifolds on ebay for like $15

 

I think I've applied PB blaster about eight time by now.

I guess I'll just keep at it. I think I've tried just about every combo, though.

I'd just cut the y-pipe off if it was the stocker, but I have a Random Tech Y-pipe.

 

huh, when i took my y pipe off 5 out of the 6 bolts snaped off, lol. try soaking the **** out of it. Also try heat like suggested before, make sure u wipe up all flamable liquids first though

 

I wish they'd snap off! I also wish I had a torch.

How long do you think it would take to heat the nut up with a lighter?

 

even a propane torch should loosten it up a bit, they are cheap like 15 bucks.

 

I always use a 6 point socket on any fastener that requires a reasonable amount of torque. That way you don't have to worry about rounding it off. If you can get a good bite on it, you should be able to apply enough pressure to snap the stud, if the nut won't come off. Watch your knuckles.

 

Couldn't you just remove that manifold and the ypipe at the same time. If not you might be able to take the manifold off the head and get the ypipe and manifold to drop down far enough to cut the stud.

 

I think I am using a six pnt socket, do you mean a 12 pnt?

The manifold is disconnected for the head, but the part of the y-pipe is connected to the rest of the exhaust. I thried purshing the manifold/Y-pipe down, but it doesn't move very much. I'd have to drop the the whole exhaust.

Maybe I'll try to find on of those propane torches.