Hello everyone. I have done a ton of reading, and I am ready to attempt to get to work. My first task is a basic tune up with new plugs and wires followed by LT headers and a catted Y pipe. While reading, I noticed numerous times that I should torque bolts to a certain poundage. So, I hopped on amazon.com did a search and jesus there are a lot of options. From there I searched ls1tech but the only threads I have found are for expensive $300+ digital torque wrenches. So a few basic questions:

1.) What would you recommend as a starter torque wrench and what accessories (swivels?) should I get to go along with it?

2.) What is "the truck" that I have seen in a few searches, is buying tools off "the truck" slang for a certain website or classified ads?

3.) Do I need to remove spark plugs/wires for a header install? If so, I imagine that means I should just do both at once? It may be awhile before I can afford the headers/Y.

Thanks!

 

1). Don't cheap out, a cheap torque wrench is worse than no torque wrench imo. Craftsman at minimum, I prefer flex head snap on dial adjust. Regular click type need to be turned to zero for storage, the dial in kind do not. Imo you do not need a torque wrench for headers, just tighten em snug and retighten after a few heat cycles.

2). Snap on, Matco, Cornwell, kd etc are sold by vendors that go from shop to shop in trucks. Like a food truck full of tools. They can cover your warranty, but can be hard to find if you are not in the biz. You can usually ask a mechanic at your favorite shop for the number of their tool guy.

3) yes and yes. Plug wires get exposed to much more heat from headers. You want wires that have protection from that heat at the plug boots. I am running accel 8mm that I'm sure some would call crap. So far so good, but I haven't started it yet.

 

The spec for header bolts is like 35lbs - that is just hand tight.

I have cheap torque wrenches for HF that work fine for me but I'm sure others will tell you to stay away from them.

 

you can get a snap-on digital torque wrench on ebay for $250.

 

Just an FYI.

Most people believe low torque (to them its hand torque) can be done by feel! Truth is, one cup of coffee will affect a person's feel! Lower torque accuracy is just as important as higher torque!

So to the OP, there is no one tool to serve for all purposes! I have three torque wrenchs, starts with Snap ON in/lbs, one medium and higher ft/lbs each. I am also contemplating a fourth one to fill a void that comes up sometime with lower ft/lbs range!

Good luck shopping, its to each their own, IMO, not a good idea to cheap out with torque wrenches!

 

Just FWIW, a good torque wrench is worth the extra cash. I bought a Kobalt torque wrench and when I went to torque down the rocker stand bolts on my Land Rover it was off so much that I broke one off in the cylinder head. Need less to say I was furious.

 

Im gonna have to advise against buying snap on on ebay, even from those with very good feedback. I see Snap on at the swap meet but i aint buy'en it there. Go CDI if you dont want to spend the cash on snap on from a truck. CDI makes all of snapons torque wrenches.

 

Wanted to post a quick thank you. I had no realized how expensive of an initial investment it will be, but a sound investment for sure. Sounds like a great Christmas gift to ask for...

 

i usually pay around 200 bucks for a torque wrench which are caterpillar brand made by snap on. they have a flex head and really accurate. be careful using extensions and swivels on torque wrenches. they both effect final torque.

 

I use a brownline digital. It is very accurate and you can get them for around $100 with a promo code

 

I have a Harbor Freight 1/2" torque wrench I use to tighten my wheels, but that's just about all I use it for. Buy a higher quality 3/8 or 1/4 one. You can also send them off to places to have them calibrated.

 

Concur with your wise advice and suggestion!

I also avoid digital with battery upkeeps!

Amazon has CDI with free shippings, CDI 1/2" drive 50-250 ft/lb is cheaper than my 3/8" drive SnapOn in/lb!

Amazon + CDI are a winning combination for sure!

 

Amazon is great. Especially when you can use their free shipping