There were two bolts that I did not know even existed until after struggling to get the engine and transmission to separate. I tried to get at them from the top with a wrench, but I couldn't get it to sit on the nut, and from the bottom I had the same problem but with a ratchet and extensions. I also removed the motor mounts to lower the engine. What is the best way of getting them out other than putting my 20 gallons of old gas from the fuel tank underneath and lighting it on fire?

 

When I replaced my engine I used an impact swivel socket with a cordless ratchet wrench to remove and install those bolts. That worked well.

 

I got all mine out with either a flexible handle gear wrench or a short socket and flexible handle ratchet.

 

Go from underneath with long extensions and swivel

 

I was able to get most of the bolts out from the top
of the engine. I removed the upper intake, coil packs, , exhaust/headers and removed the engine mounts as you said and dropped the engine low as I could get it. Did you do that same?

 

OP - are you referring to #13 and 14 in the pic above? If so, sounds like you already have everything out of the way. I typically lower the motor as far down as I can and use a regular 13mm combo wrench. Curved box end on the bolt head and an extension - floor jack handle.

Also, do you own a GTO? “Evil Goat / drifting”…? Here’s mine.

 

I unfortunately do not own a GTO... 13 and 14 I have already gotten out. I am referring to the bolts 8 and 11 that are circled blue. I removed the exhaust and heads, and could lower the engine more, but I heard some crunching noises. I'll try again tomorrow with a bunch of extensions and remove the cats.

 

Yes, getting the cats out of the way will help. While still having the engine suspended with the cherry picker, I wedged it (engine) to the side using a 2 X 4 to reach those - especially 8. Good luck!

 

Finally got them out! I ended up getting at them from the bottom using over a foot of extensions with a swivel joint in the middle. I unbolted the cats from the muffler, but did not remove completely as the cross bar bolt heads were stripped. I also got a new 1/2 inch socket since my other worn one kept slipping off. 1/2 inch is a slightly smaller than 13mm and has better grip. The bolt on the right was easier and did not need a swivel.

 

Good to hear you finally had success.