Yesterday I finally got time to install my Budget Y Pipe - it was a clear bright day, and I had the tools and everything ready to go, and even afriend to help.
I drove the car up on to the ramps, and sprayed all the bolts and nuts with liquid wrench. Next I removed the O2 sensors using an Oxygen sensor wrench - piece of cake.
The front 3 bolts came off in about 3 minutes.
The rear bank 3 bolts took a bit longer - but I had them off in about 10 minutes.
Took the first (passenger side) bolt off where the stock Y pipe joins the catalytic converter, with no problems.

Struggled for the next 1.5 hours trying to get the last bolt off the cat - drivers side. I've used Liquid Wrench, a Propane blow torch, the thing will not budge.
I'm going to take it in to Midas today to have them do it - the guy told me they charge minimum 1 hour. I figured if it comes off right away, I'll just have them do the whole install.

What a frustrating experience - so close - but yet so far...

Did anyone else have similar experiences with their Y pipe install?

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EDITED 12-30-2002 4pm PST
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Here's the write up on my cardomain site
installation write up

 

ohh yeahh.. I'm surprised you were able to get the bolts off the exhaust manifold so easily. Last time I was doing the ypipe with my brother on his 2k 5spd, we were down to 1 bolt on the exhaust manifold. TAckled for 3 hours but still couldnt get it off. It was about 3 am and it was time to tow away the 3 flashlights, ramps, and all the tools and call it a day. Took it to a shop next day. Thats when we learned that you're not supposed to air tighten the exhaust nuts and bolts. You always need to hand tighten it. The last mechanic who worked on my brothers ypipe used air wrench to tighten all the bolts, thats why we couldnt get that last bolt off, because that was the one with the hardest angle.

 

ya, i knew the bolts on the cat would be hard, so before i installed i just had some shop loosen them for me then hand tighten. they didn't even charge me. i got home, put mah car on ramps, and i could loosen everything w/ mah hand tools.

 

Those nuts that hold the cat to the Y-pipe can be a b*tch!

Be sure to have a long handled wrench for plenty of leverage, and make sure it's a box end 6-point! That is, the opening looks like a hexagon. 12 point wrenches and sockets are worse about rounding off in tight situations. It's also very important to keep the wrench on the nut squarely! It's easy to get the wrench a little crooked when straining really hard... which will allow it to slip and round off the nut. Use PLENTY of lube, and crank on it squarely with a long 6-point box end... and it's resistance will be futile!

Those are obviously some strong studs and nuts on there. I thought for sure mine would snap off (like every othere bolt behind them in the exhaust system) but they came off.

Good Luck!

 

Bolts were ok. Hint: If you are use a u-joint, wrap the knuckles in plastic tape.

My problem is clearance to the engine under frame. Push the pedal down hard and I can here the clanging. I'm going to crawl under and see if the rear hanger can be altered. Up coming mod is replacing the motor mounts to stiffen that up.

 

If you use a combination wrench, (box end on one side, open on the other) you can take the round (box end) of a second wrench, and slip it over the open end of the wrench that's on the nut for more leverage.

>----o >----o They will hook together to give more leverage.

You can do this, or if a 6-point socket will fit squarely.... (don't use a deepwell unless you must, as they tend to slip sideways if not supported) a pipe can be slipped over the ratchet handle for more leverage.

Good Luck!

 

Well, I took the car to Midas - the guy first said it's a minimum of 1 hour - so I said "if you're going to charge me an hor, can you install the Pipe?"
They looked at it and said they couldn't, because the stock pipe has precats and the replacement budget Y Pipe doesn't.
I told them to go ahead and remove the rounded off bolt. 5 minutes later it was out. (Much hammering and impact air tools)
Here's the best part - they didn't charge me!
So I went to the local Nissan dealer and pickerd up a replacement 14mm hex nut for $3.52 (pretty spendy for a nut!)
Right now I'm letting the exhaust cool down before I tackle it again.
I think I can swap it in under 1 hour now that the bolts are all workable.

 

Man, you should know you can get simple stuff like that cheaper at Advance Auto or something. Just make sure the grade matches (as well as thread and size) and you'll know the quality is the same.

 

I had Meineke do the entire ypipe install for me. Took about 30 minutes and cost $40. I figure it was worth it.

 

Well, it's on!!
It took exactly one hour by myself to remove the stock pipe and install the Budget Y pipe.
Just got back from a quick drive - first impressions...
...oh baby!!!!
It feels quick and sounds great.

I've updated my cardomain site with some pictures from the install
http://www.cardomain.com/member_page...=255278&page=3

 

you are a stud. I did it myself on my friends lift and with his impact air tools and it took me two and one half hours. I thought it was a pain but you did it.

 

I knew what was involved from removing 7 out of the 8 bolts yesterday. Having removed and reinstalled the O2 sensors, and 7 of the bolts, I had a pretty good idea of what to do today.

 

Anyone know where I can get replacement studs and bolts for the Y-Pipe install on a 4th GEN? Does anyone know the size of the studs?Mine are rusted and I want to change them. I appreciate all help.

JR