I use a standard 3/8" wrench with the outside diameter of the box end ground down to make it thinner. It also helps to have two of them so that the 12 pts. of the box end are in different locations. Just in case the head of the bolt rotates to a position that one wrench cant get to, you can use the other to continue. Higher quality ratcheting wrenches, like the new model Snap-On has, allows for very little rotation to get it to the next tooth of the ratchet. Hope this helps! Good Luck!
First thing to do is to make sure you dremel the hole so it slips right in. Now that you got it in through the header clean run it through the head so you know it goes in smooth. I have fat fingers and can get mine in there to get it far in. Did I mention to use 12 point bolts. Not 6. After you get it started it ain't too bad.
My six point Mac 3/8" works well I can get a little more than about a quarter turn on 'em. And with no mods to the wrench. I believe its in their CW line.
You can modify all the wrenches till the cows come home. None will hold a candle to the Alden open end rachet wrench. Google it and get a set. Not one of you will regret the purchase. :TU:
I've got some cheap advance ones for my 12 point bolts. they work great and are extra long. I can get it from the top on the outside. though it's only a few degrees, but i'm pretty patient. I have a set of ratchet wrenches I want to try when i put my heads back on. but the swivel portion maybe too big. Although if you get creative and come in from the front side of the engine and under the headers you can get plenty of throw on them.
Bolts like this look like they may work better: http://www.jegs.com/i/ARP/070/100-1101/10002/-1 http://www.jegs.com/i/Mr.+Gasket/720/3420G/10002/-1 The dual head socket cap head looks like a winner. Should be able to get the Mr.G bolts anywhere.
The bolt is absolutely next to the pipe. It is finger tight but of all the wrenches I've tried and bent and grinded and broke, none will get the grip to snug up. I'll look for the Alden. Thanks Frank
Not sure of the type of headers others are using,but my Kenne Belle headers have enough room to get a boxed end ratchet wrench in and tighten up completely. I also use the 3/8 12 point heads so you have a better chance to get the wrench on it...
