I picked up a cheap (I know, not smart) torque wrench from harbour freight. 3/8" drive. I just replaced my vc gasket and everything is going smooth. Now it's time to torque the bolts. I started going from the center out but can't feel the damn wrench click, or even hear it. I think I feel like I've gotten them tight, almost too tight even but have not idea how to tell. The wrench is near it's lowest setting so perhaps that is part of it? Thinking I might head to autozone and borrow one of theirs.

 

Sounds like you asked and answered your own question. NEXT!

 

What torque do you have the wrench set at? You want ~ 75 in/lbs. btw

 

Is the wrench you bought an inch# or foot# make sure what have "BEFORE" you tighten anything.

Even a cheaper set of wrenches from Sears make sure its the "Craftsman" brand you may get a bit better quality set. Just know how to use them and remember to reset to zero when finished and storing. I know everyone doesn't need $500 wrenches but you do need a set and to have them in your tool box......and use them!

 

Actually, the '99 VC fasteners are 85 inch/pounds torque.

 

You bought the incorrect torque wrench! The HF 3/8 wrench is in "foot-lbs". You need the HF 1/4" drive torque wrench which is in inch lbs.
The wrench you have is 5 to 80 ft/lbs. 85 inch/lbs = 7 ft/lbs so you could use your wrench but the click will be faint since you are at the low limit of your wrench.

 

"Wrist tight". Never used a torque wrench on valve cover bolts in my life......