Cat bolt size

[schwar74]

I was pulling my stock exhaust this weekend to install a new cat back I bought and of course broke the bolt off in the catalytic convertor. My plan is to use a bolt extractor to get them out, but I have a feeling I won't have much of a bolt left afterward to size for a new one.

Does anyone know the size off hand?

If the threads get trashed, is it feasible to overdrill the hole and use a bolt with a nut?

Any other thoughts/tips?

Thanks!!

Scott

[solaire]

If they broke an extractor isn't going to get them out. They're stuck in there too deep. Most nissans use hardened steel bolts so drilling them isn't an option unless you've got some top dollar bits. Most of the time that happens I have to torch them then use a bolt/nut through the hole.

If you're lucky you might be able to torch the flange til it's cherry red then use the extractor method. That's if you can get a hole through the bolt for an extractor.

[schwar74]

So we ended up being able to drill the bolts out. We then just overdrilled the hole slightly and used a nut on the back side rather that retapping the hole in the flange. It worked out pretty well.

Gotta say the improvement in performance from the stock exhaust to the 2.5" cat back is significant. And it sounds way better too.

Scott