[PontiacHO]

I’ll be bolting the heads back on the 350 after the machine shop is done. This is an in the frame top side engine refresh (cam change, valve springs, valves & seats done). I need all the leverage I can get to torque these head bolts. I used an “cheater” - pipe on my breaker bar to loosen them. Any experiences with Harbor Freight torque wrenches? I see they have a 2ft. torque wrench.

[mgarblik]

Originally Posted by PontiacHO

I’ll be bolting the heads back on the 350 after the machine shop is done. This is an in the frame top side engine refresh (cam change, valve springs, valves & seats done). I need all the leverage I can get to torque these head bolts. I used an “cheater” - pipe on my breaker bar to loosen them. Any experiences with Harbor Freight torque wrenches? I see they have a 2ft. torque wrench.

We have a torque wrench calibration stand at my school. We have tested a few Icon split beam torque wrenches. They are accurate. 2-3% Also tested a Quinn digital torque wrench with angle. Also 2-3% Checked them at 50 ft. lbs and 100 ft.lbs. The Quinn is 25.5" long The Icon split beam is 23" long Haven't tested any other Harbor Freight micro-adjusting type with the extension spring in the handle. (click type) In general, that style is in the 4-5% range but personally have not tested any HF ones. The digital ones are really nice and the Quinn a good buy. That same wrench, (at least it looks exactly the same ), from Snap-On is over $500.00.

[PontiacHO]

Thanks for the review. I’ll look into the wrenches you’ve mentioned.