It's #8. I need to do some exhaust work.. I already sheared a couple bolts off and I know I will shear the rest off if I try to take the thing off.

 

Just get some easy outs. Not sure how your exhaust will hod up without it

 

When I intsalled my short shifter I took that piece out first and the exhaust bounced quite a bit. My guess is if you leave it off and drive around you are going to put a lot of stress on the header flange resulting in it breaking.

 

No bracket, or anything for that matter, is put on a vehicle by the manufacturer without it being deemed absolutely necessary.

 

i dont have that bracket anymore....but then I have just a straight through mid pipe for now.

 

well i took a chance and the rest of the screws came out rusty but whole