Why is the top bolt welded

[WhipE350]

I'm in the middle of the IMS/RMS/Clutch job, while under there I was considering doing a new exhaust system. I noticed that the top bolt in the 3 bolt connector on the cats-back pipe is welded. If I kept my headers and cats in the new system I would still have to remove them to break this weld. It's kind of hard to reach otherwise.

Is this weld common on 2000 'S's ?

[Wayne 962]

Can you post a picture? I'm not sure off the top of my head if I can pinpoint what you're referring to?

-Wayne

[Schumi]

You keep that welded stud, and put a nut on it, and install two new bolts on the bottom two holes. That stud it welded to the pipe to help with installation at the factory (it helps hang an exhaust, makes it a 1-person job when the car is in the air to located the two flanges). The back nut can be taken off it.

[The Radium King]

yup. i HATE that bolt. went to drop my midpipes to service my cv's and mr. bolt wouldn't let me. bad bolt, bad.

[WhipE350]

Yes here is the bad bad bolt. Weld is not on the side I would like