help with headers
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Houston
help with headers HELP!!! I recently instaled some Hooker shorty headers on my 96' SS LT1. The install was made while the engine was out of the car. I'm having trouble getting to the bolt on the #7 cylinder. I've tried from the top and bottom, it has an allen head bolt on it and just can't get in there. Any tips or suggestions are greatly appreciated.
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 384
Likes: 0
Sometimes you just have to try different tools, or modify the ones you have.
If you're trying to fit into a tight angled space with a regular 90º allen key, then you can use an angle grinder to shorten the arm of the allen key driving the bolt (to attain more clearance). Alternatively, cut off a straight 1/2" piece of the allen key to stick into the bolt, then use a small boxed-end wrench (or socket wrench) to drive it. Be creative.
Can't really say more than that without seeing what you're doing. I have a whole bunch of different allen drivers -- t-handles with pivoting ball ends, things that look like swiss-army knives, etc. I don't like allen header bolts, in general. Much prefer 6/12-point bolts you can use with a wrench.
If you're trying to fit into a tight angled space with a regular 90º allen key, then you can use an angle grinder to shorten the arm of the allen key driving the bolt (to attain more clearance). Alternatively, cut off a straight 1/2" piece of the allen key to stick into the bolt, then use a small boxed-end wrench (or socket wrench) to drive it. Be creative.
Can't really say more than that without seeing what you're doing. I have a whole bunch of different allen drivers -- t-handles with pivoting ball ends, things that look like swiss-army knives, etc. I don't like allen header bolts, in general. Much prefer 6/12-point bolts you can use with a wrench.
