Changing sparkplugs with headers

[Chiller]

When I bought my vette it came with headers. My question is it possible to change all of the sparkplugs from the top with a socket? Yesterday when I changed the plugs, the only way I could access some of them was from the bottom of the vehicle with a wrench.

Thanks,
Chiller

 

[Hib Halverson]

There might be but, typically, you have to usually have one or more of the following.

Short plug socket made for engine with headers. I got mine from Mac Tools.

Plug socket with integral u-joint. I got 'em from Craftsman. Regular plug socket with a separate u-joint, also from Craftsman.

A plug socket with an integral hex which you can turn with an offset box wrench. Again, Craftsman.

Those are some of the choices I have in my tool box when working with engines having headers.

 

[JohnZ]

"HeaderSockets" are another great tool - they have slots in the side for more angle when installing/removing the socket to the plugs, and work with a regular 3/8" ratchet and have a hex for use with a wrench as well. They come in both 13/16" and 5/8" hex sizes.

 

[Hib Halverson]

Interesting...appearently the "Headersockets" company private labels them for Mac Tools because what's in the photo is what's in my tool box in a little plastic tube labeled Mac Tools.

 

[Chiller]

Thanks guys. I'll have to get me one of those sockets.

 

[Chiller]

"HeaderSockets" are another great tool - they have slots in the side for more angle when installing/removing the socket to the plugs, and work with a regular 3/8" ratchet and have a hex for use with a wrench as well. They come in both 13/16" and 5/8" hex sizes.

Who makes the sockets in the picture ? I searched MAC Tools, Craftsman,Snap-on and Header Sockets but have not found them.

 

[JohnZ]

Google "HeaderSockets".

 

[ras]

kobalt socket set

I just installed long tube headers and new plugs on my 95 lt1 base and used my kobalt socket set. This is the set they advertise as being better than deep sockets because the ratchet snaps onto the outside of the socket giving you a compact set up that fits over entire plug. Worked great for number 2 cyl with header tube right in the way. Worked so good i had to share. Did all my plugs from top with ratchet.