Dropping the Exhaust y-pipe, any concerns about stripping manifold flange bolt holes

[sehaare]

1998 SOHC

Ok, the replacing the 02 sensor job has gone south. So now I'll be dropping the exhaust y-pipe. should I be concerned about possibly stripping out the threads in the bolt hole. The driver's side exhaust manifold bolts have never been taken out since the car was built.

I'm hoping someone with experience will tell me they never strip out, but I'm worried about 17 years of heat on them.

Thanks, I need to get this done this week.

Steve

 

[Flash]

Use plenty of penetrating spray like PB Blaster and leave overnight.
Maybe get the manifold hot and spray again.

Using a single hex socket will probably help to.

Give the head of the bolts a bit of a rap with a dolly and a solid hammer to break grip on the threads.