I just got a stock GS-R exhaust manifold and A-pipe, basically for free, to replace my rattling A-pipe. I'm probably just going to swap the A-pipe itself, and leave my manifold on there. Should I do this while the exhaust is hot, or cold, or does it matter? Would the bolts be any easier to remove if it is hot? The temperature itself is not a problem since I have my trusty Mechanix gloves.

 

i took my header and a-pipe off when the car was cold. it was a pain in the *** to remove some of the bolts because you don't have much room. i wouldn't do it when it's hot because your arm might accidentally slip you might scald yourself.

spray some wd-40 on the bolts first and that should help.

 

It's not the burning that I'm worried about. I always change my oil when my engine is hot, anyway, so that's no big deal. I was just wondering about the bolts and any possible expansion or contraction issues.

 

I did my exhaust system and header when it was cold.... I didn't want to snap the bolts when they were hot and I also didn't want to burn myself... I sprayed down the bolts w/ penetrating lubricant the night before and put my car up on stands... when I got up the next morning I sprayed it down again and went to work while the car was cold...

 

Sometimes if you get the exhaust really hot then spray penetrating lubricant on the bolts, they will contract and the rust will loosen. I personally wouldn't do it hot, it'll hurt if you bump it.

 

I did it hot when I put my JDM ITR 4-1 on and it was reallly easy to get the bolts off because they were warm

 

if your not scared about doing it hot, then knock yourelf out....ive done afew exhautswhen they were hot, and lemme tell you, not fun....but go ahead and try it