Tools Needed

8mm Allen wrench -- for the exhaust header flange nuts, preferrably with long reach

Sockets, screwdriver, or other simple tools -- for the other fasteners of your pipes, depending on the make and model of your exhaust system

High-Temp silicone gasket paste -- (tube), optional, for sealing the exhaust header gaskets. Note: I have used Versa-Chem Mega Copper, high-temp silicone gasket maker from my local auto parts store

----- If Your Exhaust Header Studs are Bent or Damaged -----

Hammer -- for 'straightening' exhaust header studs, as needed

Cold chizel or punch -- for 'straightening' exhaust header studs, as needed

Vise-grip pliers -- for removing exhaust header studs, if needed

Regular pliers -- for removing exhaust header studs, if needed

Dremel rotary tool -- (or other) for cleaning out the exhaust header stud holes in the head(s) if needed, and/or cutting studs or flanges if necessary

Safety glasses and ear plugs -- for protection while using Dremel (rotary) tool or other power tool, as needed

Thread-lock liquid -- if exhaust header studs will be replaced

Torque wrench -- optional, for installing exhaust header studs, if needed

----- If Your Exhaust Heat-Shields are Removable -----

Smooth-jaw vise, large -- or two thick board pieces (like 2"x8"x16" or more), for straightening removable type exhaust header flanges, if yours are this type. as needed

----- If Your Exhaust Heat-Shields are NOT Removable -----

Sturdy board piece -- like a 2" x 4" wall-stud at least 12" long or more, for straightening non-removable type exhaust header flanges, if yours are this type

Small set of open-end wrenches -- (Qty: 2), for 'jacking' the flange back to its original flatness

'C'-clamps -- (Qty: 2) 4" to 6" or so, to clamp the exhaust header flange while bending it back flat. They must be large enough to spand the exhaust header, flange, and the board; and they must be small enough to fit the opening between the heat-shield and header flange. See the clamp-jaw and heat-shield clearance in the upper right area of the photo below.

Homemade, miniature pressure jacks, as follows:

• Bolts: 6mm to 8mm shank, (or 1/4"). (Qty: 2) -- to use as miniature 'jacks' for bending the exhaust flange flat. See 'jack bolt' in the photo above.
• Nuts: Non-locking type. (Qty: 4)) -- to use as pressure 'jacks' for bending the exhaust flange flat. See photo above.
• Smooth Washers: Thick, with hole to fit 'jack bolts' described above. (Qty: 2) -- to be used against the exhaust flange. See photo above.
• Small sturdy metal scraps: Any heavy gauge (16ga or less), flat metal pieces, such as large fender washers. (Qty: 2) -- to use as base-pads for the miniature jacks for bending the exhaust flange flat. See 'scrap metal' in the photo above.