What tools do you like for building a LS Engine ?
01-13-2011, 12:27 AM
#1
What tools do you like for building a LS Engine ? It looks like I will be getting a LQ4 out of the yard and changing upgrading the rod bolts before I put it in, (since I spun a bearing on my LS-1) Anyway what tools do you recommend?
A rod bolt stretch gauge? What brand? What about a rod splitter for getting the caps off?
I already have a mag base dial indicator setup for installing gears in rear ends. What would I need to degree the cam in?
What piston ring compression and ring filling tools do you like if I do have to change the pistons to get the compression up?
I will also be needing to buy a more accurate AMERICAN MADE torque wrench so any suggestions there would help as well, really don't want to spend the money on a snap on but I don't think my HF is accurate enough for engine fasteners.
What other tools do you recommend, so I can order them now before I am elbow deep in the assembly?
I will only be rebuilding a motor once every few years, (hopefully) so I doubt I need professional priced stuff that would get used often, however I do prefer to buy american if at all possible, and I am willing to pay for accuracy when it comes to precision instruments.
A rod bolt stretch gauge? What brand? What about a rod splitter for getting the caps off?
I already have a mag base dial indicator setup for installing gears in rear ends. What would I need to degree the cam in?
What piston ring compression and ring filling tools do you like if I do have to change the pistons to get the compression up?
I will also be needing to buy a more accurate AMERICAN MADE torque wrench so any suggestions there would help as well, really don't want to spend the money on a snap on but I don't think my HF is accurate enough for engine fasteners.
What other tools do you recommend, so I can order them now before I am elbow deep in the assembly?
I will only be rebuilding a motor once every few years, (hopefully) so I doubt I need professional priced stuff that would get used often, however I do prefer to buy american if at all possible, and I am willing to pay for accuracy when it comes to precision instruments.
01-14-2011, 12:29 PM
#5
You dont need a rod splitter or rod vise,,to split your caps Just use the correct size socket with a 3 inch extension,,back the bolt out about 2 turns then give the end of the extension a couple good taps on each side,,works perfect EVERY TIME. another tip is removing your main caps requires a special,expensive tool, I have always used two 3-8 extensions under the cap from different sides and just pop up and wiggle, Works Perfect Every time. Unless you will be building multiple engines I would take my rods to be measured by the machine shop, instead of investing in tools you will prolly only use 1 time.
