header question

[STEVE-O]

For checking the header bolt tightness or if there is the need to remove them in the future, can someone tell me what works best to get to them?
From the top or bottom of the car?
Open end wrench or socket?
Regular or metric?
What size?
Some look very close to the header tube, will a socket/wrench fit on them?
Thanks

[Jerry Clayton]

guess this is your first car with headers????

The word (MAYBE) answers most of your questions

[Silverback51]

I have no idea what motor you have, but with my SPF with a 460 in it, I can reach some from the top, some from the bottom. Some take an standard box end wrench, and some with a ratcheting box end wrench.

In some cases it's easiest if I remove the spark plugs. Other it does not matter.

The short version is you have to find out what works in your situation.

[csx wnab]

i myself use a 1/4 drive ratchet with a 18" extension and a 1/2" universal socket. through the cutout and underneath.

[patrickt]

And sometimes you need a "magic wrench" that is bent and angled just the right way. If you can't get to one of the bolts with a ratchet, wrench, chainsaw, etc. take a coat hanger wire and bend it so that the last half inch would go around the bolt (if it were a closed end wrench) and so that the bends allow you to turn the bolt. Then take that bent coat hanger wire and a wrench to your machine shop and ask them to bend the wrench to match the wire. Sometimes with these cars you have to make your own tools.

[STEVE-O]

Originally Posted by Jerry Clayton

guess this is your first car with headers????

The word (MAYBE) answers most of your questions

Yes, this is my first car with headers. Sorry I didnt include the specifics. I have a Superformance with Roush 402 so I was hoping someone with the same setup could give me info.

[Kenm4187]

Steve,

Mine are 7/16" and I use a combination wrench. I can get them from the top but you need to loosen them at the same time on each side so you can pull back the manifold. If you try one bolt at a time the wrench hits the headers and you can't get any turn on it.

I am just picked up a new set of header bolts today. The head size is reduced so I will be able to get a socket on them in the future. (take your plugs out first, it helps).

Ken 2560

[madmaxx]

If you have the header bolts with the small head. you will have no problem accessing all the bolts from the top with no special tools. May need to pop a spark plug wire off but that is easy enough.