1993 RX7 FD stock downpipe removal problems
 

Hey guys! I'm trying to remove the stock downpipe on my FD and all the nuts and bolts are off of the midpipe and manifold, but I can't yank the downpipe off of the studs on the manifold. When I try to move the downpipe off of the studs, it hits the actual chassis of the car. Basically, when I try to move the downpipe off of the studs, it hits the chassis of the car, the other side of the wheel housing. Has anyone else had this problem and figured out a solution to it? I'll attach pictures.
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...c29da8120.jpeg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...30dc4c105.jpeg

Nevermind. Saw pics wrong

if i recall correctly as its been a while.. you will need to remove one or both of the bottom studs so that you can maneuver the dp out..

That's not the stock DP. I want to say the location of the O2 sensor is different than my Bonez DP too.
You might try unbolting the motor mounts at the crossmember (NOT at the pan) and probably drop the PPF. With a floor jack gently see if you can jack the one side of the engine up for the needed clearance.

Remove the studs and it'll drop right out.

Has anyone any advice for removing studs? My hunch is to use jam nuts - is there a better way? If not, what size/pitch nut should I use?

Thank you
Jarod

u already have the nuts that go on to the stud...use 2 together and jam them

Welcome to the wonderful world of FD modifications

I used an Assenmacher metric stud puller with good success (https://asttool.com/detail_page.php?...nd%20Extractor). But i pulled them with the DP already off. Not sure if there's enough of the stud exposed with the DP on for it to grab onto.

If it were me, i'd try the two nut approach first. It may work, but you'll need a wrench vs a socket to get it off (unless you can align the two nuts together). If it seems like you might round the nuts trying to get the studs out, heat the crap out of them (the studs) with oxy/acetylene if you have that, propane if you don't. If that doesn't work, lower the engine.

If you get the studs out, you can go through the pain all over again with studs, or use bolts. If you go with bolts, use iconel bolts, otherwise you won't be able to get them out.

Inconel seems excessive to me, are you serious or embellishing?

Is this a common issue with removing the stock downpipe?

No. Stock DP is flatter than aftermerket DPs in that section (except for the HKS DP which is similar to stock) so it can clear the studs. You can google for pics

I just removed my stocker a few months ago, no clearance issues at all, that is def. not a stock DP.