The latest issue:

using the pettit-supplied allen /hex socket head screw for the lower back stud, as most people do

but due to the curvature of the pipe, there is not enough room to fit my allen socket+ratchet, at all. I went and bought a metric allen key set, since the length of the shorter end (before the bend) is shorter than the ratchet attachment, still, too long!

No one else seemed to list this as an issue---hell, from what I gathered the hex screw should be the easiest one to tighten down!

anywhere I can find some low profile 8mm hex key? should I just switch it out for a bolt instead?


thanks,

 

I had no problem installing mine with a hex key while the car was on a lift and accessing the lower back stud from underneath the car. My hex key set, a "Titan S2" that I purchased from Northern Tools, worked fine. Check out the supply of hex keys at your local auto supply parts shop and perhaps you can find one that will fit and that you can rent. Make sure that your tool has a good purchase on the socket head before you tighten it down as you do not want to round it out. Also, use high temp anti-seize lubricant on the threads. Good luck.

 

When I installed my Pettit downpipe, I had a clearance problem getting an allen wrench on the cap bolt in the bottom rear position. I special ordered a ball-end allen wrench socket in 8 MM from an auto parts store and was able to get the cap bolt to proper torque (36 ft-lbs), more or less. Or, you could cut down or grind off part of the key wrench so it will fit in the confined space, but they are very hard metal.

 

In a situation like that, sometimes you have to modify (cut, shorten) the short end of a standard allen to fit for clearance. Then, if you need more leverage for tightening, maybe fit a short pipe or another tool to other end and have a go.

good luck

 

Why dont you just shorten an allen key to fit?
Just be careful not to let it get too hot, so it dosent loose its heat treatment.
Cutting it slowly with a hacksaw should work ok.
Dont grind it down fast enough to get it hot and you will be fine

 

I am certainly willing to cut the allen key---glad to know I'm not alone on this.

I'll give it a try with a hacksaw.


and yeah, I will have to blindly torque this one, unless I can find a smaller allen socket---even if I cut the one I have, the socket itself is pretty long



Thanks for the advice as always fellow rotarites