I was trying to install my XS headers on my CL today, and the bolts holding the downpipe to the cat are rusted over. I tried PB blaster and a breaker bar and cannot seem to loosed those damn things. What would you suggest I do?

I want my headers done before it gets cold out

 

take it to an exhaust shop and have them loosen the bolts for you. i used kroil to get mine loose. really good shit.

 

did u get the car hot first or just do it cold?

 

I hope you have a torch handy. Heat those bitches up and they should come off. Also you can cut them off with a grinder or dremel. Either way you need new bolts so it really doesn't matter. I'm sure you read up on not using the supplied gaskets, nuts and bolts right? Also remember to exhaust wrap the flex pipe if you want a quiet ride. Good luck bro.

 

I was doing everything with the car cold. I do know that the XS gaskets an bolts are shit.

I will try the torch method, if that doesn't work I'm cuttin the sum'bitches off.

I was told by the dealer that the bolts on the cat are not removable. Is that true?

 

LOL.....I got into the same situation! But I just cut my headers in half just past the front of the flex pipe with a jigsaw!

 

Yea, I'm not trying to destroy the stockers, just the bolts- if that's what will get them off.

Everything on my car isn't permanent, so when I sell it I can swap all the parts back to stock.

The thing I can't understand is how my 88 Civic, which saw plently of winters in the northeast, has less corrosion on the undercarriage than a 5 year old car. It perplexes me.

 

Hell with your stocky! With the time you be putting into installing the XS, removing the sockies......then removing the XS & reinstalling the stockies, it wont be feasable! ITS ONLY $100 bucks! LOL

 

Good point. *breaks out the swazall*

 

ATTA BOY......Cut that MO-FO off there! LOL

 

Well, finally got everything taken care off. I cut the old header into many pieces, but could get rid of the damn rust on the bolts for the cat. Those bolts would not loosen. I finally gave in and brought it to the muffler shop and had the cut the old flange off.

The tech there said he was happy I didnt ask him to install the headers. He said it looked like a pain in the ass.

It was, dear friend. It was.

 

Quick update, Ive had the headers on for 2 days now, and I definately notice a difference. I can't wipe the smile off of my face. Before the car would have traction at WOT in first, break lose in second real quick, then hook up. Now first is worthless, and second spins till redline. I'm loving it.

Passing on the highway is a bit easier as well. Next week when I'm in NY Im going to try to get my car dyno'd. I'm not expecting much, but I just want to know.

 

Glad you like em' bro! Headers and sway bars are the best "First" mods to get hands down!