ok guys i really need some suggestions with this one. so i got off the two bolts connecting the exhaust manifold to the first precat and seperated them but i can't for the life of my get the heat shield off so i can reach the top two bolts of the exhaust manifold. the bottom two bolts on the heat shield were just so rusted i pulled on it and it came off, but the top two you need to get to from the engine bay i can't seen to get off, when i try to turn the bolt the damn thing just bends, and i don't know how to get to the rest of the heat shield bolts too. i need some help with this because i have an exhaust leak coming from somewhere up by the engine and need to get all this **** off. thanks for any suggestions that may come

 

if you take off the ACV and actuators you might be able to have more room and a better view of the area.

 

you don't need to remove the heat shield. When I removed my manifold I took off the lower heat shield, and unbolted the main cat. That was it, I just got everything out in almost one piece.
No matter what you do though, it's gonna be a bitch to get to those top bolts. Just stick it out, don't give up, and good luck!

 

Try sticking a wrench in there and using another wrench to lever it, if that makes any sense.