Looking over on the yank forums most say it's quicker (or less hassle anyway) to remove the gearbox to remove these? Is this the case with UK specs and all? Just wasn't sure if there would be much difference between US and UK spec regarding the layout of everything.

If you had access to a ramp and transmission cradles etc then maybe, maybe. Sure you will have more access but to go through the process of pulling the gearbox for that luxury, er no thanks.

The passenger side isn't that bad as the battery being out gives you topside access and there's not much in the way from underneath other than the downpipe itself. The drivers side is less friendly due to the way the turbo sits as well as the steering collum, brake & clutch masters etc and the starter motor. Thankfully it's very quick and easy to remove the starter (remove the battery first yeah) which give you virtually the same access as the passenger side and a 3/8" ratchet and UJ will allow you access to those pesky top two. The steering collum is in the way mostly as a mental block and shouldn't actually cause any grief.

The pain in the ass is the stupid heat shields (I binned mine) and the state of 25 year old heat and road abused studs and bolts. Some real care and patience may be required to prevent you snapping them. Once the down pipes off though there's more room allowing you better options to correct your cock up should you need to.

As a side note with mine I have to fit the bolts all loosely first during refit before winding them even hand right, otherwise the lower ones bind on the Downpipe itself due to the curvature.

Stephen what size are the lower downpipe bolts 11mm is too small and 12mm is too big. Are they 7/16 or 1/2??? American sizes ffs

I can't remember, I would of guessed 13mm from memory but obviously not? Il be home in a few hours, might be able to check for you.

Lots of wd40 and heat will help. Access is no problem broken studs will be a big problem. So just take your time

Yep two bolts snapped right inside, both were 7/16 the other three were 13mm odd. now turbo has to come off. Not happy.

Yep two bolts snapped right inside, both were 7/16 the other three were 13mm odd. now turbo has to come off. Not happy.

 

Thats why you need a heat. Just idle a car or go for a drive if you dont have a blow torch

Thats why you need a heat. Just idle a car or go for a drive if you dont have a blow torch

 

Too bloody late now. Need a thread doctor.

Doh! Is there not enough left to heat then wind out with mole grips?