C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Convertor question

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Old Apr 5, 2015 | 12:08 PM
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Default Convertor question

Tried to take my convertor off yesterday, but the bolts were just too rusted on. Spryed with penetrant, used impact gun, even heated them up a little, and still nada. I'm thinking of just cutting the bolt heads off and going that route, but how would I be able to get to the top bolts going into the convertor on the side closest to the engine bay? They seem so far up there that I can't even get a ratchet on it....
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Old Apr 5, 2015 | 04:32 PM
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Originally Posted by Mike1985
Tried to take my convertor off yesterday, but the bolts were just too rusted on. Spryed with penetrant, used impact gun, even heated them up a little, and still nada. I'm thinking of just cutting the bolt heads off and going that route, but how would I be able to get to the top bolts going into the convertor on the side closest to the engine bay? They seem so far up there that I can't even get a ratchet on it....
hi Mike you got to figure out how to get a ratchet on it and try to break the bolts off better than burning a hole in the bottom of the car I had the same problem removing a 93 exhaust Jay
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Old Apr 5, 2015 | 09:57 PM
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put the trans in neutral and turn the convertor
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Old Apr 5, 2015 | 10:01 PM
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Originally Posted by waynelap
put the trans in neutral and turn the convertor
I belive that's the wrong convertor
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Old Apr 5, 2015 | 10:59 PM
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Originally Posted by antfarmer2
I belive that's the wrong convertor
Me too
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Old Apr 5, 2015 | 11:13 PM
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More heat. Heat is the solution.
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Old Apr 6, 2015 | 12:46 AM
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Originally Posted by Tom400CFI
More heat. Heat is the solution.


The local muffler shop took my converter off. They heated the bolts up cherry red, so it takes a lot of heat to break things loose. They do this stuff every day so they know what it takes.
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Old Apr 6, 2015 | 10:18 AM
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Originally Posted by Cliff Harris


The local muffler shop took my converter off. They heated the bolts up cherry red, so it takes a lot of heat to break things loose. They do this stuff every day so they know what it takes.
and they are insured
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Old Apr 6, 2015 | 12:15 PM
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It is not difficult to pull the whole exhaust system on an 85. About all there is is the manifold bolts and air tube to the cat. That would remove the fire danger and give you access to use a breaker bar.
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Old Apr 6, 2015 | 12:27 PM
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Originally Posted by 1984Z51auto
It is not difficult to pull the whole exhaust system on an 85. About all there is is the manifold bolts and air tube to the cat. That would remove the fire danger and give you access to use a breaker bar.
but would worry about a snow ball effect if the manifold bolts breaks off they have been on for a few years
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Old Apr 6, 2015 | 01:19 PM
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Originally Posted by antfarmer2
but would worry about a snow ball effect if the manifold bolts breaks off they have been on for a few years
Yes, there could be a problem with other nuts and bolts being rusted up. But hey... isn't that how the daily driver turns into a "nut and bolt" frame off restoration when you started out to change a tail light bulb?
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Old Apr 6, 2015 | 01:23 PM
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Originally Posted by 1984Z51auto
Yes, there could be a problem with other nuts and bolts being rusted up. But hey... isn't that how the daily driver turns into a "nut and bolt" frame off restoration when you started out to change a tail light bulb?
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Old Apr 8, 2015 | 02:40 PM
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Mine was also stuck on but with a swivel head I was able to get a socket on and turn until the head of bolt broke off. Did the same on the other side, then it came right off. May have been luck but it worked!
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Old Apr 8, 2015 | 03:19 PM
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Originally Posted by antfarmer2
and they are insured
Which is why I never complain about the price.
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Old Apr 8, 2015 | 09:23 PM
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Originally Posted by Cliff Harris


The local muffler shop took my converter off. They heated the bolts up cherry red, so it takes a lot of heat to break things loose. They do this stuff every day so they know what it takes.
Can't go this route because mechanics here in ny need to put a cat converter back on when taking one off..
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Old Apr 8, 2015 | 09:23 PM
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Originally Posted by ClaudioC4
Mine was also stuck on but with a swivel head I was able to get a socket on and turn until the head of bolt broke off. Did the same on the other side, then it came right off. May have been luck but it worked!
Was your car jacked up or on a lift?
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