I'm in the process of installing my new headers but I have problems torquing the bolts.
It's hard to fit any kind of tool between the header tubes, let alone a torque wrench.
The header is in place but I have no idea if it's tightened properly or not since an 11mm wrench was the only tool that I managed to use.
What do you do when this happens?

Here's a pic. It may look like there's plenty of room but actually there's not.
http://static.ylilauta.org/files/qv/...g/IMG_2566.jpg

 

Picture is 404'd. I would guess just to get them as tight as you can. And then run the engine and see if they leak exhaust.

 

its the nature of the beast. no matter how much you tighten them, after the motor gets hot, then cold a few times. they're gonna be loose. might take a few times of retightening. 7/16" & 11mm are the same size. shop around for a couple different wrenches. you might find that different wrenches fit better. short ones fit better in the rear usually.

 

Yes buy some different wrenches.
Also don't be afraid to bend or cut a wrench to make it work

 

Thanks.

Also, another problem:
On the driver's side there used to be a black-painted metal bracket that holds the AC compressor and the fuel lines if I remember correctly (my car has AC on the driver's side).
The bracket was designed to be bolted on the stock exhaust header.
What do I do with it now that I have custom headers?

The O2 sensor is also in a different place now so I'll have to make a longer electrical wire for it but this is no problem I think.

 

i think i know what your talking about?
instead of using a header bolt in that hole, (the front one correct?), find a spacer of the same thickness as the factory manifold and use the factory bolt. i've sacraficed a 1/2" drive socket as a spacer a few times.

 

I have like every 7/16" and 11mm wrench, socket, and whatever else variety, known to mankind.

There's no "one" "universal" "magic bullet" solution. Just gotta try different stuff, different tools will work on different individual bolts. Nobody out here can predict what tools will work on your particular blots.

I like the socket idea. Never tried that for that exact alternate engineering. I've used alotta water pipe and such as that over the years. I guess it's just, what we each think of, or see sitting in front of us, first.

 

I should mention, I have also been known to use socket-head bolts, in really ornery spots.

 

Get some ARP 100-1109 bolts, they have a smaller head... 5/16th

 

The bracket wouldn't physically fit on mine so it was necessary to cut part of it away. (The compressor was long gone on this one though.)

It would help if you filled out the details of your Thirdgen in your profile.

 

I'm finding it impossible to fit the bracket, too.

Here's a picture to demonstrate.
http://aijaa.com/K0Xl0V

What do you think I should do? I can't really even remember what this bracket was for. I hope scrapping this part won't affect the installation of the power steering pump or the AC.

 

I have found the 3/8 head bolts easier to install

http://arp-bolts.com/kits/ARPkit-detail.php?RecordID=8

Smaller head

 

I don't have the AC compressor so I cut it off. If you decide to cut it, I would grab one from a junk yard in case you change your mind.

If I were keeping AC I would extend the header bolt and try to modify the bracket to reach. Something like a threaded rod with 3-4 nuts to hold everything in place, and then weld some metal to the bracket to reach that.

You could also consider a serpentine set up. They have braces too but some people leave them off.