What works best in tightening header bolts? Torque wrench won't always fit obviously, but thats ok because ratchets can be used with extensions or swivels (tho swivels don't work well for me). What else works well for tight spaces - is there a specific box wrench? I remember reading somewhere what someone did but I cant seem to find that info - thanks

 

i used ratching wrenchs for mine

 

Sears has some nice Craftsmen polished thin head box end wrenches although I still have to grind it down a bit. It works very well with 12pt bolts.

Ryan

 

Allen wrench with the stage 8 bolts is the easiest.

 

I have stage 8s and I use a combination of wreches and allen head sockets.
I have one 7/16 box end wrench with a swivel socket on the other end and it works great for most of them, I also have a smaller 7/16 for the tight spots in the very back by the firewall.
I use a allen head socket with my big rachet and a reducer to get the right length and its been good to get to the one under the alternator.
I can tighten all my header bolts in about 5 minutes, I just check them every couple of weeks.
Yes they have locks but they are such a PITA that I left them off and just check em every couple of weeks.

 

I use 3/8" head bolts and use an open end wrench. For the ones near the firewall I use an offset wrench.

 

Thanks for the ideas!

 

the one on the pass side by the firewall... yea thats why walmart sells wrenches. i broke a cheapie wrench in half and it works AMAZING back there.

 

nice - looks like I'll just find a wrench or tool combo that works best for each bolt and keep them together - it's sad it takes an army of wrenches and sockets to tighten header bolts...

 

open wrench of normal length and an allen socket, you can get them all.