It's been a nightmare to get these downpipe bolts off so I cut them off.

Right now I have the catback flange with no holes drilled into them and completely flush, I don't have a garage so i'm working on them in my driveway. In terms of ease or functionality, should I:

1. Drill them out and replace with the stainless steel hardware & new gasket like I was going to.

or

2. Take it to an exhaust shop cut the flanges off my ZZP 3" (to 2.5 flange) and catback and have it welded.

This job was supposed to be simple and turned into a nightmare, i'm sure most of you that have replaced the DP know my pain, what should I do?

 

helpppp

 

you can drill holes, shouldn't be an issue as long as they're straight and you buy good bolts. will just have to replace bolts and gaskets at some point as compared to no gaskets with a weld. but if you plan on upgrading at some point, i would suggest just drilling holes with flanges so you could sell those parts if needed.

 

I would cut off the flanges and have it all welded. Im a welder so it was an easy choice for me. But I imagine if u go to a shop they will charge you alot. So if money is an issue I would get new hardware and do it urself.

 

yo you working on it in your place at cal?

 

+1 for drilling holes. there shouldnt be any issues with this. drill the holes, buy new hardware, done.

 

yaaa. dude id drill. if i was going to keep my car for ALONG time i would weld but god forbid u ever wanted to sell the car and demod it.. be careful drilling tho. i had to do that with my girls car because her **** was all rusted. i had to cut off the bolts and drill holes. start small and get bigger and bigger. if u have a spray lubricant. spray that every 30 seconds or so on the bit while u drill because they WILL burn out and break. annoying ha. but yea. other than that nothing hard to it.

 

Yeah, it's a pain in the ass.

Okay, I'll drill them, I appreciate the feedback guys.