Header bolt removal tool/combination of tools

Currently helping my dad take off his headers (aftermarket) and a lot of these bolts you just cannot slide anything on whatsoever. I did mine not too long ago, but those were tighten with an Allen key. What tool or combination of tools did you guys use? I was thinking a crows wrench, but not sure if I can get enough torque to break the bolt.
 
  • Sponsors (?)


Usually just a 7/16" box end/open end wrench, 1/4" ratchet with short and long sockets, and copious amounts of cussing on mine.

Which headers, heads, and motor?
 
Not a necessity and not an emergency but if you happen to come across, in your travels...


1725060790364.webp
 
My header bolts have a 5/16" head. Makes it much easier to get a wrench or socket on the header bolt.
I've had a set of the Stage 8 header bolts for about 20 years. I don't have the patience for dealing with their E-Clips and retainers and don't use them, but the quality of the bolts has been great. They have a 7/16" head, but also have a 3/16" recessed Allen hex machined in to use. The recessed hex give you another option and has come in handy. If you shorten up your Allen wrench (back to modifying sacrificial tools again...) your access really improves. Shorten up two of then, because you'll drop one wrench sooner or later and can keep working until you have to go under the car to retrieve more MIA hardware or tools.

I would look at the 5/16" head ARP header bolts if I was buying again. Wouldn't the ARP 5/16" head with a Stage 8 recessed Allen hex be an awesome mash up?
 
Last edited:
I would look at the 5/16" head ARP header bolts if I was buying again. Wouldn't the ARP 5/16" head with a Stage 8 recessed Allen hex be an awesome mash up?
How big of an Allen hex can you have in a 5/16" head?
And would the Allen head be strong enough to lossen the bolt without breaking?
 
Currently helping my dad take off his headers (aftermarket) and a lot of these bolts you just cannot slide anything on whatsoever. I did mine not too long ago, but those were tighten with an Allen key. What tool or combination of tools did you guys use? I was thinking a crows wrench, but not sure if I can get enough torque to break the bolt.
I’ve used a “wobble socket” before.