trying to replace my old rusty manifold with dc 4-1 headers, however I can't remove my heat shield due to seized bolts, let alone the manifold.... tried liquid wrench...nada! Don't wanna cut them....and I am afraid to torch them. Any ideas??? here is a youtube link! http://youtu.be/1SEm9oRtJbg

 

You shouldn't be afraid to torch an exhaust bolt, but that likely won't be enough to break it free. If you have an impact try that, if you don't take it to a shop and have them pop off those couple bolts for you. If they're that badly seized there's a good likelihood that trying massive leverage with a breaker bar will lead to one breaking.

 

Understood...I am just not handy with a torch to be honest and I don't want to go with a breaker bar cause I fear then needing to drill out the threading....just want to do this as cleanly and pain free as possible. I'm working on the impact gun...but it looks like going to the shop for that will be my smartest option. Thanks.

 

A shop shouldn't charge much just to break those couple bolts free for you and that's definitely the least likely method to snap a bolt, that's definitely your smartest option. Good luck with the rest of the install.

 

Thanks alot!

 

I'm sure a torch would be fine. Just heat it up good 5 mins. If I was you, get a better quality tools set before you strip the bolt and make sire you wear heavy duty glove so you wont bust your knuckle while attempting losing the bolt. Gl op

 

Torch it, You Hardly have any rust, id even try an extension bar, you wont snap those off, my bolts were a hell of alot rustier than yours and mine didnt snap, I did tighten it a 1/4 turn before i backed them off too, it helps loosen the threads, worth a try if you cant back them off normally.

And dont worry about the bottom bolts, if your going with a header your likely going to have to buy a new spring bolt kit anyway, id just cut those off.
Not sure what its like in Jersey, but here in Newfoundland we dont reuse those bolts, they are trashed and new ones put on everytime.

 

yes,the spring bolts must go! however...working on the install now, will update with photos. Thanks for all the tips...after this I'd say a year before i go boost it, forced induction!

 

thanks for the help. here are some pics.

 

Good job on figuring it out.

Looking at your last picture, makes me think that it's been ten years since my engine bay had a D17 in it!

 

thanks k20....the strut bar is from you!lol thanks again for that. I guess I'm satisfied overall, I mean I am learning all the time from this car and it hasn't been a bad investment of my time or money, in that my car has plenty of life to go and more lessons for me to learn...so I'm just glad with it all around!