How in the world do you get these stud things out of the precat?

1st and 2nd pic - under car looking up
3rd pic - looking down (from above)

 

strip it?
Some good pliers.

 

Remove the whole manifold and throw it away.

Wait, that's not what you asked

It's going to be a lot easier to do anything to it when it's off the car.
Shouldn't it pop apart when all of the nuts are removed? I'm sure it's stuck together pretty good.

 

I actually did some research and it looks like they are some weird studs that use a E-10 torx style socket.
I assume it just comes out as any bolt (using this special socket)

I've also seen people use two bolts and then remove it, but it's too tight in there for a wrench.

 

Dumb question, is the cat just not coming off?
u sure all the fasteners are out? Should be 6.

 

There are 3 "normal" bolts, 2 studs on the "top" part of the precat. (snapped one of the normal ones)
Then there's 3 bolts on the end going towards the muffler. (snapped one of these as well)

I've gotten all the bolts off (2 being broken) and none of the studs. Have to try the e-torx socket. Also will try drilling/extracting the broken bolts.

 

The studs were actually easy to remove using a E-8 torx style socket.

Unfortunately, now the precat won't move when I try to take it off. Not sure if it's just rusted so bad, or what.

Good times!

 

do these studs even need to be removed to remove the precat? I removed the nuts and I feel like the top end is free. aren't the studs mounted into the headers?

 

bud i don't think the studs even needed to be removed, that's what the other guy meant when he said he's sure it's probably stuck pretty good.

It's EXTREMELY likely that it's rusted good as is the way of exhaust system parts.

if this part is being replaced, you should be able to whack it with a hammer to get it loose. just because to not damage any other parts or your self.

 

just installed my precat. those two studs on DEK do not need to be removed