exhaust help needed

hi im in the midle of taking engine out of my mk1 golf cab gli and got to the exhaust and wondering is there any other way of getting it out with out taking it straight of the head because the bolts are rusted realy bad and no socket will fit on the nuts any sugestions are welcome

You could remove the cylinder head , split the exhaust at the first junction [down pipe] remove roll bar centre mounts for clearance , then simply lift the head and exhaust down pipe in one go .

Refurb can then be done on the bench !!

 

jst remove down pipe clamps and remove with manifold still attached m8 other wise use heat on bolts and try either mole grips or forcing on a multi spline socket not a hexi socket, failing that m8 oxyacettaline and burn thru nuts then remove remaining studs when engine out, 13mm headed bolts are useable to refit to head