cutting apart thermal reactors
 

I'm in the beginning stages of installing SSIs on my 77 which has the original thermal reactors. In an effort to gain easier access to the exhaust studs can I cut the thermal reactors apart? How are they constructed inside? I've read all the posts over the last few years about the nightmarish experience this project can be and will ultimately cut/heat the nuts off but getting the reactors off and out of the way will really facilitate this process. Any last minute tips? Thanks to all of you who posted about this experience in the past. I will certainly be following your advice. Thanks in advance!
-- BS

if the exhaust studs look old I would bring it to a shop before you bust a stud.

the best way to cut them is to cut the tube that goes between the head and the reactor body with a saws all.

but thats a commitment. make sure you will be able to get the nuts off before you make any commitments.

I've always used an oxy/acet torch on the nuts to get them off.

Thanks for the advice. The engine was rebuilt about fifteen years and 20,000 miles ago (yes, it's basically been sitting in the proverbial barn since then). It's a CA car (was a CA car) and the POs (two of them) have hesitated taking any of the stock emissions stuff off. The exhaust studs look rusted but they also appear to have a red-ish substance which has oozed a bit between the nut and the stud -- I'm hoping that's some version of anti-sieze. The muffler, heat exchangers, and related hardware looked similarly rusted but came off without a hitch. I am a commitment-phobe (so says my significant other) so I think I'll try the oxy/ace before I go cutting away. Do you think the ease of removing the muffler and related nuts/bolts from the thermal reactors is a sign that the rest of the job will go relatively smoothly? I'm trying to be the eternal optimist.... Thanks again.
-- BS

easy so far?yeah that`s a good sign but from my own experience there`s usually ONE problem child that just won`t turn.l recommend having the torch handy just in case.The real fear is a stud breaking in the head,that`s the thing we hate the most.l wouldn`t take it to a shop though,it`s not a technically challanging job and if they mess it up you`re in for a potentially big bill.l`d try the nuts with a little heat,one way or another using the torch with care will have things apart in no time