Exhaust Manifold to Front Pipe Joint

[barker_001]

I've bought a complete SJ stainless system to replace the old exhaust on my SE which is mainly held together with repurposed Peugeot clamps, sealant, and good fortune...
Most of it looks relatively straightforward and it will probably be a case of cutting the rusty old bolts / brackets and lowering the parts away, but I'm a bit concerned about the manifold joint. Has anyone got any experiences of separating this joint and if so what are the pitfalls? How does it tend to come apart - do the nuts just unscrew or do they need more persuasion? Is there any possibility of the manifold flange getting damaged? I've got a new gasket, studs, and nuts to hopefully cover most eventualities.
Thanks in advance...

[Hawaiis0]

I take it you are talking about the twin downpipe to the manifold with 3 studs?

If so then it comes apart easily once the nuts are off. Only issue will be if the studs are bent which will pinch the flange creating a resistance.

[rbgosling]

Access from underneath is... achievable. You'll benefit from a long socket extension, preferably one of the ones that allows the socket to wobble about a bit, kinda like this one:



Mine has usually come undone without needing a stupid amount of force, but if yours has been undisturbed for a long time your experience may differ.