DJ Serotonin

I am having a huge problem reaching all of my header bolts. I need to change out the passenger side and driver side gaskets with copper non-blow out type because i am tired of them breaking, however, whenever i try to remove the bolts they are so close to the headers it is near impossible to use a wrench and a rachet is out of the question as the head is too big.. do they make thin walled rachet heads or a specific tool to help me in this endeavor? ARGH! thanks!

bloodvette80

I have the same problem, (and so do a lot of people). I end up using about 3 different tools by the time i get all my header bolts tightened. Try a rachet with a universal. Another suggestion, my room-mates Camaro has allen-wrench bolts which makes gasket replacement easier. Also, If your sick of always blowing header gaskets, just make sure they're tight, once a week. 9 times out of 10 they blow because the heater bolts are loose.
:yesnod:
John

1LE

Ive had the same problem in the past. Usually on that last bolt, i use a crows foot with a rechet. You may only get a an 1/8 to 1/4 turn at a time, but you will get it tight.

Brettmc

Get a big block...I can reach all my header bolts just fine. :jester

Seriously, I agree with the above post on the allen head header bolts. A dude here at work has them on his 350 Blazer and he swears by them. Get some of those after you somehow get the old ones out...

Brett :thumbs:

Vettastic

I strongly recommend getting Stage 8 bolts for putting your headers back on: http://www.stage8.com

Guru_4_hire

the 7/16th crowsfoot is solid gold

I changed mine out for some alan headerbolts.

Brettmc

Just remembered, I made a special "header bolt wrench" way back in the day when I had my 69 Camaro. I took a regular open-ended wrench and put it about 1/3 of the way in a vise and heated it up where it and the vise met. Then, I bent the wrench into about a 30* angle. It made a perfect header bolt tool. Oh yeah, the wrench is gonna be hot so use a tool when you go to bending.

Brett :thumbs:

Todbo

I had a 69 camaro that gave me fits on header bolts , I cut a wrench in half and the attached a long piece of doubled over elec tape ,to make it easier to catch , because you will drop it :smash:

PatG

That is exactly why I used cap head allen bolts on my headers. You can always fit a short allen wrench in the tight places.

LemansBlue68

I'm using stainless steel allen head bolts. They're much easier to get an allen wrench on and no corrosion problems. Check Summit or Jeg's for stainless header bolts. They come in allen, small hex head, or 12 point heads. All are easier to get a wrench on than standard head hex bolts.

cardo0

I just went through this experience myself and must of used half dozen tools just to get the 5/16” headed bolts for my Thorley headers to 25 ft-lbs. Used two different crow's-foot. Since then a made a $60 purchase at Sears for 5/16” swivel head six point and twelve point in ¼” drive. Also bought ¼” flex short extension – not sure if these affect the torque values though. Now I couldn’t find all this in 3/8” drive but I bought what I could find in Craftsman.
I expect better progress with these, as I need to get to 35 ft-lbs and hopefully this weekend. Just thought this may help you now as this post will be buried by then. :rolleyes:

GDaina

Agree with use of Allen bolts....have a Buick V-6 turbo, headers, and one bolt is impossible to tighten, the bolt head hits the tube...used an Allen head, problem solved.

Nomad78SA

I agree with Vettastic,
I use the stage 8 bolts with my hooker sidepipe headers with no problems. I use a 3/8s wrench on the ones I can and a allen wrench on the others.
They work good!!!
Neil in Tenn