3.0 exhaust/manifold question

[jgold47]

So like an utter dumbass I managed to strip the nut on one of the rear o2 sensors while trying to change it the other day. I was getting codes related, so I thought I would change them out.

after a lot of elbow grease, pb blaster, and a really fucking hot torch, I still couldnt get it to budge.

I buttoned everything up hoping that A) I didnt anhilate the o2 sensor, and B) that the bad one was the one I replaced not the one I left.

fast forward a couple of days and now I'm getting O2 sensor dead codes.

I havent crawled under the car yet to make sure there isnt any other issue, like a burnt out wire, etc...


I've also had some codes with lean running I suspect are related to a bad seal on my DISA which I am about to replace.


ok - that out of the way....

1. What are my options to get that o2 sensor off. am I better off taking the header off and working it outside the car? How hard is it?

What are the chances I will successfully get the nuts off without destroying one of the studs.

2. if I annihilate the exhaust flange can I cut it off and join it with a clamp or will I need a new cat back?

3. I have seen autoparts stores which sell exhaust pieces that have o2 bungs. Do you think I could cut in behind the existing bung and clamp a new piece on and abandon the existing the o2?


Or - do I just bite the bullet and get a new header/cat?

Or do I take it to a shop and trust they can figure out how to get it out without having to do all of that stuff?