Hello all,
It is stunningly amazing that I hit upon this thread at this time. Just a week or two ago I didn't hit anything close on Google about changing the crossover seals.
I am an owner of a 1999 olds Intrigue with the same problem this post is discussing. I am planning on fixing the leak probably around the holidays. I have bought all the seals, including the exhaust manifold set because that is what I assumed needed to be done (remove the right exhaust manifold). I wait with great anticipation as to if using a pry-bar really works to make this repair go easier.
I did spend a little time under the car with extensions and ball-swivel adapters to see if I could get a 13mm socket on all the manifold bolts (6). And basically concluded that I could if the exhaust pipe to the catalytic converter is removed. but if I don't have to remove it that would be awesome.
thanks to all for your input.