Anyone ever rem./install the stock mid-pipe w/o having issues w/ the manifold studs?

[Cobra4B]

Every damn time I work one one of these cars w/ the stock H-pipe and mainfolds the exhaust manifold studs get distorted taking the nuts off. They bend or they shear/snap off.

Anyone know any tricks to get the nuts off and keep the studs in proper condition to put it back togeher?

Now Im stuck having to order parts on Monday and most likely will have to pull the drivers side manifold to get the remainting two studs out. Ive tried everything on them tonight and cant get them out w/ the mainifold on the engine.

Best method Ive found is w/ them off the car to use heat, vice grips, and a hammer. Using the 7mm nut part on the bottom just snaps them... its really only for installing fresh ones.

So now a simple X-pipe install has turned into much more fun!

[Cobra4B]

So after talking to a few vette buddies looks like I need to buy a plain old 15mm wrench to get to the studs w/ the manifold still on the car. My 15mm gear wrench has an open end but its too thick... dont have a standard thin one. Going to let them soak in WD40 tonight and see what I can accomplish tomorrow.

[Cobra4B]

15mm Gearwrench brand wrench from Northern Tool and a small Butane torch to the rescue. What I spent hours screwing with yesterday took 5 minutes to take all the studs out. Now to order new stuff tomorrow.

Oh and Im done with Sears/Craftsman for good. Sears doesnt open until 12 today... they didnt have thin head wrenches and the standard wrenchs had heads that were too thick, plus the store reps were rude.

Northern Tool had been open since 9am and the standard wrenches had thinner heads and I could buy 3 wrenches for the price on one C-man wrench.

[vettex2]

I just dropped the exhaust w/o any issues
I sprayed the studs hours before I started though.
I used a 15mm deep and a 3/8ths air wratchet

[Cobra4B]

Dropping it isnt the issue... its putting it back together. Those studs tend to bend and the threads stretch whe the nut is removed. I just installed all new ones this evening and even w/ a dab of anti-seize they still dont go on nice and smooth... very coarse threads.

[vettex2]

mine went back together w/o any issues

I just used a 3/8ths air ratchet

[Sneaks]

I think the problem you're having with them warping/snapping off Bryan, is those tree trunks you call arms hanging off your shoulders.