Gmpp Catback And Snapped Bolt

peterarch · May 8, 2010

Ok I just picked up a GMPP Catback exhaust for my truck today, I was going to install it. The bolts that hold the existing stock exhaust on to the converter were rusted as hell, went out and got some wd40 and soaked the bots for a bit in hopes to loosen them up. Went back and attempted to remove one when the bolt broke. It seems that the bolt heads themselves are welded right to the tube coming out of the converter. Anybody have any suggesstions?

Vortec-Z71 · May 8, 2010

I had to grind the studs flush and then drill them out when I installed my GMPP exhaust. It really wasn't fun.

khancock · May 8, 2010

Ok I just picked up a GMPP Catback exhaust for my truck today, I was going to install it. The bolts that hold the existing stock exhaust on to the converter were rusted as hell, went out and got some wd40 and soaked the bots for a bit in hopes to loosen them up. Went back and attempted to remove one when the bolt broke. It seems that the bolt heads themselves are welded right to the tube coming out of the converter. Anybody have any suggesstions?

That happened on my 2000 when I went to put an exhaust on. Just had to drill out the welded head and replace with normal bolt.

KBinCT · May 8, 2010

I did the same thing when I installed a Magnaflow cat-back on my 2008 Silverado. I drilled out the broken bolt and replaced it with a nut bolt and washer. There was plenty of room under there for a drill.

Diesail · May 8, 2010

^^X2, just make sure you have some good drill bits. The cat is VERY hard stainless.

peterarch · May 8, 2010

I jsut realized that the cat comes with new bolts for the converter tube. So i just gotta get out the existing bolts. They seem to be punched into the tube

Diesail · May 9, 2010

I jsut realized that the cat comes with new bolts for the converter tube. So i just gotta get out the existing bolts. They seem to be punched into the tube

They are like a wheel stud. But never been able to find them, thus the regular nut and bolt.

peterarch · May 9, 2010

Yea its all solved now, i just drilled it out and threw a bolt in that one side. And i must say its definately a great exhaust. Though i did fire the truck up for a litte without any pipes on it at all and that just sounds beast. Almost makes me want to add a straight pipe only hahaha.

Vortec-Z71 · May 9, 2010

Yea its all solved now, i just drilled it out and threw a bolt in that one side. And i must say its definately a great exhaust. Though i did fire the truck up for a litte without any pipes on it at all and that just sounds beast. Almost makes me want to add a straight pipe only hahaha.

Where's the pics and sound clip???

jblakeney · May 12, 2010

Ok I just picked up a GMPP Catback exhaust for my truck today, I was going to install it. The bolts that hold the existing stock exhaust on to the converter were rusted as hell, went out and got some wd40 and soaked the bots for a bit in hopes to loosen them up. Went back and attempted to remove one when the bolt broke. It seems that the bolt heads themselves are welded right to the tube coming out of the converter. Anybody have any suggesstions?

Yeah, I have had this problem when pulling and installing a transmission a couple of times.... Take a side grinder and remove the bolt. from the head side....

Either weld a new bolt on in its place. OR just stick the bolt threw and locktite it....

I choose the weld method.... That way if I have to retrace steps I don't have to find an end wrench to play back up...... Don't forget to Skunk piss (aka penetrate of your choice is SKUNK piss, i personally like BG's chemical's penetrate) the bolts a couple days in advance when messing with exhaust or warm them up...

Jbo