I'm trying to install an aftermarket header in my s2k and I'm in the process of removing the heat shield and I dont know how to losen the bolt closest to the fire wall. To those who have removed the heat shield, how did you losen that bolt? thanks

 

The last shield bolt only needs to be loosened. The heat shield is slotted for that very reason. I actually ended up slotting the last two bolt holes after I removed mine. The last bolt will need to be from under the car with a box wrench if I remember correctly

 

Yeah I used a regular box wrench, although I was able to get it from the top. Just got to get it loose enough to slide the shield up.

The heat shield will be only the tip of the "how the hell do I fit this here?" iceberg for a header install. I had to walk away and try again another day before I finally figured out how to get my Comptech installed. I did that one from the bottom, with the engine mount removed and the engine jacked up, and the exhaust end pointing towards the driver's front wheel as I threaded it up. Holy crap, what a pain in the ass.

 

Yea I know it's suppose to be loosened, but the thing is I can't seem to get to it. Do you have a pic of what kind of box wrench you can use? Thanks

 

I used a ratcheting box wrench. Easy as pie.

 

That bolt is a pain in the rear end to access. Instead of putting the oem heatshield back on I went with an Alloycraft heatshield which does not use that bolt and is much easier to remove and install for the future. This is how I loosened it:

I used a 10mm ratcheting box end wrench, but they are generally too short on their own. So I clamped it to a longer box end wrench (you could use a pipe if you wanted or similar item), using a hose clamp and duct tape. Then access the bolt from above with a good flashlight to light up the area, take your time it is a bit frustrating as it goes slowly. I hated it so much that I did not want to reinstall that crap. The alloycraft is so much nicer.

 

The ideal tool is a flex head ratcheting box end (got mine at sears).

 

Yes mine was a flex head , that helps.

 

me three.

flex head ratcheting wrench made it super-easy.