Does this look stock?

[Bflauto]

Im fixing up a new (to me) 96 gtx. While going through things that need fixed, i came across this loose bolt holding on the exhaust. It almost looks like a head bolt.
Surely this cant be stock, right?
I dont think i can even get a socket on this guy to get him off, or to tighten him down.
So how important is this bolt. Do i need to replace or tighten it down?
Thanks for the advise.

 

[mikidymac]

No, it should be a Allan head stainless socket bolt.

 

[Bflauto]

No, it should be a Allan head stainless socket bolt.

How imperative is it?

 

[Lee.Harrison]

How imperative is it?

You need to put a new one on, will cause troubles down the road with the other bolts.

 

[Bflauto]

How hard is that to take off? It looks like i cant remove it without removing the upper portion of the purple exhaust. Or do I need to remove the whole engine to take it out?
If only the upper section of exhaust... Do i need to replace gaskets once i break the seals?

 

[Bflauto]

Or maybe it would be easier to remove the jugs? Then i certainly will need a head gasket set, right?

 

[mikidymac]

Allan socket and the correct length extension and you can get to it.
It isn't fun but you don't have to take anything apart and your hands will hurt.

 

[Bflauto]

I think the incorrect bolt flairs out too much to clear the bracketry. And i dont think i can get a socket on it to remove. So whats would i have to remove to get a clear shot at it? Fucking previous owner probably was too cheap to buy the correct bolt, so now its a pain in the ass.

 

[mikidymac]

Remove the top part of the pipe if you can't get to it.
All you will need is the pipe to manifold gasket and some Copper RTV silicone for the copper sealing ring.

 

[Bflauto]

Dude! I got it. Had to build up a bunch of various sized extensions to reach it just right. Ordered the appropriate bolt. It also kinda looks like the rubber bushing and the metal inner bushing is missing. I ordered those as well. So glad i was able to get that bolt out without having to split the exhaust.
Thanks everyone for the help.

 

[mikidymac]

Unfortunately you wont b able to replace the two piece bushing without removing the pipe.

 

[Bflauto]

Unfortunately you wont b able to replace the two piece bushing without removing the pipe.

I think the bottom piece of the rubber bushing is already in place. The top rubber piece is the one thats missing. I think i can pop in the top one and be good.

 

[Bflauto]

Just a followup...
The bottom half of the bushing was in place. I was able to insert the top half rubber bushing plus the metal inner bushing (tube) and replace with the proper bolt (with loctite 242 + proper torque spec). Feeling good about this repair.