I've never done a header install and it looks realy tight in the engine bay to be ratcheting so woul an air ratchet be worth buying?

 

I have one, but i didnt use it on the header install. I can't really think of a time when I really needed it... other than maybe taking the y-pipe lose. After considering rolling out the hose, maneuvering the air-ratchet into place, etc... you could have already done it by hand.

It won't hurt to have one, but I wouldn't rush out to buy one before I did the job.... on the other hand, you could use it in the future.

 

I've got air ratchet tools and I never used them in my SLP 94/95 header instal, I doubt you would really need them with LT's either. It might help freeing some stuck bolts on the old manifolds or ypipe but you don't really need it for installing the new headers. I couldnt even get a socket on a lot of the ARP bolts being so close to the primaries, mainly just used a 5/16 wrench. Plus theres not really a whole lot of room on either side of the motor to even use an air ratchet.

 

I used mine on a LT install, it was VERY helpfull! Some of the places where very difficult to get a full "swing" on the rachet and it really help alot. Come to think about it, I used it on a Edlebrock short tube install as well.. Every car is different though..

 

Just be careful, aluminum heads = very delicate threads.

 

I had one and i did find it very useful in some places and worthless in others . it is nice to have but you wont use it a whole lot

 

Good point, that's another reason I didnt use the ratchet at all installing them.