I want to remove my stock exhaust system. Assuming I have a shop torch all the bolts, how easy is it to access the factory y/b/exhaust and remove it? Also are there any specific gaskets to be replaced? I am planning to do a swap soon with someone else.

Thanks

 

Its relatively easy. 9 bolts total I believe, and once they are heated up it will be very easy. You need to replace quite a few gaskets: each manifold to y-pipe gasket, y-pipe to cat gasket, cat to b-pipe gasket, and finally b-pipe to muffler gasket. All of these can be had very cheaply ($20 I would think). Good luck I'm sure you will be happy with the new exhaust!
-Cyrus

 

It's very easy; I did it with the following: GReddy SP2, Warpspeed Y-pipe, Magnaflow high-flow cat. I didn't have to buy any additional gaskets as the hardware came with more than enough gaskets (I've got an extra one laying around). I'd suggest you do it yourself as it's really easy and isn't worth paying someone to do it. You'll want plenty of PB Blaster (or Liquid Wrench) as well as a 3/8" (or 1/2") drive ratchet if you choose to do so. The most difficult bolts were the ones between the y-pipe and cat and the ones between the b-pipe and muffler.

~THT

 

98 have more than 9 bolts.

y pipe: 3 gaskets, 8 bolts
cat: 1 gasket, 2 bolts
s pipe: 1 gasket, 2 bolts
b pipe: 1 gasket, 2 bolts

thats 14 bolts and 6 gaskets total....for the y pipe back. 98's bite. If you remove the whole exhaust in one shot its so easy to remove it in almost one peice really. If you have a lift just unbolt the muffler and y pipe and pull everything out.

The worst nuts to reach are the manifold/y pipe nuts, you need a variety off sockets and attachments.