Exhaust removal question...

[ViperJames]

So I am in the middle of removing the stock exhaust to replace with the Borla. I need some tips on how to get the rear section off of the front section.... I have the nuts off of the clamps that hold together the front/rear sections and i have sprayed the heck out of it with lubricant, but it won't budge, i have hit it with a rubber mallet, and even upgraded that to a full on sledge hammer. The exhaust won't budge. If i have to cut it off i will but i was hoping to salvage the original exhaust. Even though i NEVER plan on putting it back on, its in good shape so seems pointless to ruin it. Let me know any tips would be great. If not i guess the hacksaw is coming out!.

Thanks,

James

[ViperTony]

I'll ask an obvious question but did you unbolt the rear exhaust hangers too? I remember having to hit that hard for a while to get it to come loose. I thought I would salvage it too but 9 years later it's still sitting in a corner in my basement collecting dust and spiders.

[Bugman Jeff]

Make sure all the rear section's hangers are removed. IIRC, there are three of them. What are you using for penetrating lube? Kroil is the best stuff out there, but isn't generally available locally, so something like PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench should work. Things like WD-40 will not work well. I found that once the hangers were off and the clamps loose, I could twist the rear muffler. Twisting it got the joints moving, and from there, it was twist, wiggle, and hammer a little bit at a time. I think it took me a few hours to finally get it off.

[Thawk97]

Yes, I'll echo the twisting motion once it's free in the rear hangers.

[00VPRGTS]

Just went through this a week ago. Make sure you loosen the hangers by the tips, you will need to push the muffler to the rear a little in order to get the mid pipe completely off without hitting the frame. Use lots of PB Blaster.

[ViperJames]

Guys thanks so much for the replies. Yes I have the 3 rear hangers off, but no i was not using PB Blaster, i actually ran out and had to use Wd-40. I will pick some up this morning while i am out and resume that method. Thanks again everyone! Anything tips for removing the front part after the side sills come off? Thanks

[00VPRGTS]

Same method, loosen clamp after cat, spray with PB Blaster and tap resonator with rubber mallet. Should come off relatively easy. Did you get the O2 sensors out?

[Sybil TF]

Cut that sucka off!

[VoodooRob]

^^^^^What she said^^^^^ I carefully took off the stock 3rd muffler paying attention to holding onto original parts and after tripping over it for 3 years I put it on the front lawn for the scrap guy in our neighborhood. Exhaust = wearable item OK to replace and doesn't devalue your car.