My headers are sitting on a bench waiting for install, which i am planning to do myself. When i tried to install my cats with my black/decker cordless driver, it wasn't strong enough to remove the nuts, so i had to pay to have it done.
QUESTION: for jobs such as header and other exhaust-component changes, do i need to spend the big bux for an air compressor and accessories, or will a corded impact driver be sufficient?

 

lil help?

 

I suspect you will have the same issues you had with the cats.

 

i'm looking at the flier from harbor freight. they have a corded impact wrench with 1044 inch lbs of torque for $30, and a cordless with 220 ft lbs of torque for $100. Seems like 220 ft lbs should be enough torque for the header nuts, no?

 

z

 

I would say that 220 ft lbs should be plenty. The problem is not the torque used to secure them, it is the added effect of heat expanding and contracting under use that would tend to add to the removal difficulty.
How about having a shop loosen them for you, if necessary- then you could finish the job at home with your tools??

 

I'd recommend a 2' long 1/2 drive breaker bar instead of trying to fit a corded impact driver down there. When I swaped a set of cats we just used hand tools. Get a can of PB Blaster too.

 

i tried a breaker bar and while it helps, its still a bzitch; i think i'm just gonna pay for an air compressor. What size and strength do you guys recommend for mechanical work on our cars, and what accessories should i buy with the air compressor? Those compressors can take up a lot of space in my already full garage.

 

I have this one
http://www.partsamerica.com/PartDeta...goryCode=3483A

I use it for everything from removing the wheels, exhaust parts to struts and swaybars.

and
http://www.partsamerica.com/PartDeta...egoryCode=3473

The compressor could be more powerful but it small enough to fit in the garage.

 

Vertical tank- 5 hp and around 30 gallons. Best investment you can make.
When it comes to impact wrenches, you get what you pay for. Buy one that is really cheap until you can afford one like this:
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...74&R=200051674
Check on ebay- you can get some good deals on air tools there.

 

thanx very much guys; that helps a lot!

 

Costco has a 3hp, 11gal, 95-125psi "Alton" compressor for $99.
Would this be powerful and big enough for exhaust/header/general automotive work?

 

Check what CFM it flows and verify that it's enough to power impact wrenches. Some of the smaller compressors can't flow enough to power the guns properly.

I'd recommend the Ingersol Rand gun that has 4 torque settings on the back.

 

as long as you don't work it for very long without stopping and letting it cool down, you would be fine. the problem with the small tank is that it will force the compressor to kick on almost constantly and the smaller hp rating means it will take longer to recover. Your tank has to be at peak pressure for many tools to function properly.
it will probably cost around $250 for a normal setup as I mentioned previously unless you find a bargain on ebay.

 

Well, the upgrade at Costco is a huge 6hp/27gal/155psi Coleman for $250, but since i would only be an occasional user, i'm wondering if this would be overkill. Your thoughts?
I like Costco because of their return policy, and its local so i can avoid shipping charges. Kragen has a 5hp/22gal/90psi for $129, but they won't accept it back if something goes wrong, and the manufacturer, in Long Beach CA, did not include a warranty in the paperwork and has not returned phone calls inquiring about their warranty...smells fishy.

 

That's a decent price. If it is a vertical model, it would be what I would suggest.
If your uses are small and not frequent, go for the smaller machine. If you wind up using it much, you will wish you had bought the larger one.
It will probably last 10 years or more, if everything is kept well lubed so it is a long term investment.

 

yea, i'm goin with the big dog in case i need it in the future; come tomorrow, i'm gonna be one high-pressure wielding zboy. thanx for all your help in making the right decision!!! Yet another example of the awesome benefits of being a part of the z community.