YARGLE BLARG exhaust collector won't come off 86 VF500F

All I want to do is replace the oil pan gasket. :frown:

The rest of the exhaust came off with some resistance, but the exhaust collector almost seems to be structural somehow. I've gone through the list

-liquid wrench
-heat gun
-torch

all while applying a stick of wood and a big mallet, and it hasn't so much as creaked to indicate it's giving up. I'm this close to saying I'm willing to sacrifice the collector, because I know they aren't hard to find, but there must be a better way. I'm desperate for any advice the forum has to offer!

 

I had the same issue with mine. What I did was take a #1 flathead and pried the tubes apart from the collector. Then (like you) I used a small block of wood and a rubber mallet to break her loose.

Patience my good man, patience.

p.s. - don't forget the two bolts on the bottom.

Sean