removing exhaust mid section - need some direction
 

long story short, I'm removing the exhaust mid section on my m44 Ti because i need to do some cutting and drilling on the manifold as well as replacing the gasket.

Where the mid section connects to the rear, I see two bolts that have compression springs. seems straightforward enough. spray everything down with PB blaster, remove all bolts, mid section comes out, do the work i need to do, mid section goes back in.

my only concern is i haven't the foggiest clue if there is any sort of seal, gasket, ring, etc between the mid section and the rear section that I might have to replace once it is out. I can't seem to find any information online regarding this part of the exhaust. i would hate to get everything taken out only to find that I need to wait a couple of days for a part I didn't know I needed.

any information you guys/girls might have would be greatly appreciated

cheers!

There is no gasket between the midpipe and cat back sections. The spring bolts keep everything clamped.

You should get all new hardware for everything you'll be removing. When I removed my midpipe the first time 3 of the 4 studs on the header flange snapped after being soaked in PB for a few days and using an impact.

I used a propane torch to heat the flange and an air hammer to drive the studs out. They are just pressed in from the factory. I replaced the studs with stainless bolts, stock is M10 but 3/8" will work in a pinch.