I snapped one of the bolts trying to take my exhaust manifolds off to put headers on. I've tried drilling it out, but got nowhere. Is there a special type of bit that will work better than the crap I've got lying around the garage? Also, in the future, does it make sense to run the engine for a while to heat everything up before trying to take the bolts out? Or just use a can of PB blaster before? I've got the engine out of the car and no way to get it to a shop to get it done for me. Am I going to need to pay for a house call?

-Z-

 

Get a reverse twist drill bit. Soak in the PB prior to the next try.

 

Just courios,which bolt did you break off? Reason I'm asking I just did the same thing during a header install and it was the farthest back on the pass. side where theres two in a row. Luckly headers don't use that hole so I just left it.

 

I had that one go too. Must be a design fault back there.

 

Yeah, this is the second car I've had that has had the same one break. Since it's the hardest one to get to maybe the factory put the super torque on that one.

 

Might just be easier to pull the engine a bit with a hoist so you can get at it easier, will ease installation of the headers also.

 

No, I must be the lucky one who defies the odds. I broke off one of the middle pair on the passenger side. With the drilling out, am I going to try to drill all the metal out of the hole and then re-tap it, or should I just sink the drill bit in and try to get the whole slug out in one piece?

-Z-

 

Don't try to drill all the bolt out. It's to easy to drill off center and ruine the factory threds. The bolt is a 3/8 and I wouldn't go any bigger than 5/16. Drill it then use a easyout and after you get the bolt out, run a tap down the hole to clean up the factory threds.

 

Uhhhh....

You might consider putting the exhaust manifold back on the car and use it as a drill guide. Use a smaller reverse twist bit like 1/4", and a sleeve in the manifold bolt hole isn't a bad idea, either. After drilling, remove the manifold and use the easy-out.