I have 1 inch 12 point arp bolts (5/16 head) and are way smaller than the ones they provide with the headers. My problem is that on the 2nd bolt on the drivers side header the #1 primary turns and makes it so I cannot get a socket or a wrench on the bolt at all. I was wondering if there is an open ended wrench that would work on a 12 point bolt? I need some suggestions, cause I am wanting to get this baby fired up. Oh and I already cut one of my 12 point wrenches trying to get it to work, but basically it just slips off.

 

Can you grind a 12-point socket to fit?

 

I used a cutom grind 3/8 closed end wrench.

 

All you have to do is back the header off the head and make sure the head of the #2 bolt is against your header. Now, start threading that bolt into the head first and start tightening down the others after that. Your #2 bolt should snug down before your other bolts so you have room to get the wrench on there. Hope that helps ya!

Jeff

 

Thanks for the replies......I actually ended up taking the arp bolt out and then I put in one of the bolts that pacesetter supplies with their headers. It was much easier to get that bolt in........and well all I can say is... OPEN HEADERS ARE LOUD!!!! Ahhh, yea I'm so happy my long and hard fought header install is done, basically I just need to take my car to an exhaust shop and have em get the y-pipe on (I had it on but it leaked badly) and have em weld in a 3 inch cutout, and I'll probably have the exhaust place throw on my catback as well if they dont want much extra to do it. I cant wait to get the rest of the exhaust on so I can go cruising......I havent had my car out at all since last winter, and I am getting anxious as heck.

 

sounds like your havin fun, are you going to have to build heat shields for the fuel lines on the driver side by the y pipe? i keep remembering hearing talk about those fuel lines being awefully close to the y pipe of the pacesetters?

and how did you think the install went? really hard or easier than expected?

 

Well I would say twice as hard as I thought it would be. Getting the old exhaust off was a serious pain.....I ran into like 5 roadblocks that slowed me down quite a bit, but I fought on and was able to overcome them. I worked basically by myself on the whole thing, with only my dad to help when I couldnt hold up the headers and a few friends helped get the passenger side manifold off. I took every precaution and somehow still crossed the 5-3 wires on the opti (I even had a diagram printed off shoeboxes site....and I still switched it). The Taylor OTVC wires werent all that bad, just had to figure out how to do em at first. I would say be prepared for bloody knuckles, scraped arms....and if your like me a fat lip from when a bolt broke and sent the wrench flying into your face.....hehe. Sigh....did I mention I am glad it is over with?


I am not to sure about the fuel lines......I didnt really check, and dont have my y pipe on at the moment.

 

I've got those same 5/16 ARPs on every bolt hole in my jet hots but #2 and #3 back on the passenger side. I used stock bolts in those holes so I could use an open end wrench

 

I used a small 3/8's wrench with the pacesetter bolts.And if i knew what i know now i wouldnt even played with the stock pipes and just cut them.Did you also try to fight the header in from the bottom but didnt have the car high enough?

 

Nah, honestly getting the new headers in was probably the easiest thing I did.....I had my alternator, starter, steering shaft coupler, oil filter, and both valve covers all removed........and basically they both just slid in from the top....was cake!


Some of my problems were.....couldnt get the steering shaft coupler reconnected, couldnt get the afformentioned bolt in for forever, got stuck many a times trying to get the old exhaust off, and after buying a sawzall and some dremel tools and other various tools....I was able to get it all done.

If I were to do the install again though it would be much easier...

 

Are you sure you put those in from the top...I install all mine threw the bottom. How does it sound?

 

Yea I put em in from the top......I dont think I could mix that up.......lol.
It sounds pretty good........very very loud!!!

 

I had the same removed as him for my install. The driver's side would go in from top (once steering linkage removed of course...dont even attempt with it on, unless you want a couple scratches like mine.......oh yea, watch that gauge temp sensor in the block as well.....)

I believe my passenger side COULD have gone in from top if I didn't get the emission hookups.......the AIR hookup would JUST NOT clear the valves (yea cover was off...) so ended up breaking the motor loose...

Maybe he didnt get emision hookups.....or maybe there is something different between A4 and M6............or maybe God made his pacesetters.....

 

HMM..Ive never tried putting them in from the top. I think maybe b/c I have lifts I just stay with the bottom. They slide right in. I have to put another set on monday, so maybe I will try from the top.

How about the y-pipe ...did your bracket line up with the one on the pipe?

 

no, my y-pipe is all jacked up....it was probably an inch off. I tried forcing it to get it to fit, but the end result is it leaked pretty badly. I took the y back off, and I am going to take it to a shop and have them weld it up, or bend it to get it to fit or whatever they can do.

I do have the non emissions headers and without the passenger valve cover removed, I am pretty sure they wouldnt have gone in from the top.