3rdCoastPowerSports

iTrader: (5)

going to buy a NICE dial bore gauge. what one should i buy? im not looking for a cheap one. professional quality tools only. thanks

wildcamaro

iTrader: (15)

Ok first off cheap AND quality don't belong in the same sentence when it comes to engine tools...I only know because a couple weeks ago I was in the exact same position as you...rather than paying a machine shop to take my measurements and HOpe they told me the truth I went out and got some measuring tools...I got a dial bore guage, dial indicator with magnetic base, and 4 piece mic set off of eBay for just about 140 bucks...they were all from an eBay store user name "jtsmach8xzw"

Now the tools aren't sunken or mitoyo BUT if you are measuring main journals on the crank and the bore of the main cap with bearing as long as you use the same micrometer you will get better accuracy and precision when compared to the plastigage method...I test my tools against several other of my buddies mics, dial calipers, and bore gauges and mine are every bit as accurate as theirs, as long as you treat the tools right by keeping them clean and away from constant contraction and expansion and moisture (keeping them in heated storage) you will be good to go...good luck man

wildcamaro

iTrader: (15)

If you want something a little better than what I got you can get a legit dial bore guage from powerhouse, I see a lot of their stuff in mags for sure...I think their dial bore is 130-140....but if you want the quality good stuff get mituoyo (think I butchered that one lol)

JS01

iTrader: (10)

Mitutoyo, Brown & Sharpe, Sunnen/Starret. Make sure it reads in .0001's of course.

RezinTexas

When I was talking with a well known pro LS1 builder about this, he suggested a way to save money is to buy the "Made in China" dial bore gauge set and use a Mitutoyo dial indicator. This is in fact what they do in their shop. This setup would cost about $210 from Amazon. For the extra $90, I sprung for the real deal.

Here is what I ordered on Friday:

Mitutoyo Dial Bore Gauge, 50-100mm, .001mm graduations, P/N: 511-169, $301 on Amazon (I got the last one in stock, however there is one on ebay ending tomorrow)
Mitutoyo Outside Micrometer, 2-3", .0001", P/N: 103-217, $121 on Amazon

chrisfrost

iTrader: (8)

I made 1 using a good quality compass and measure it with either a mic or dial ind ,,,,,,,not as convenient of course but every bit as accurate if You take You're time ,,,,,,,,,,,etc

3rdCoastPowerSports

iTrader: (5)

I really like the snap on dial bore gauge but $900I is alot. I can get it half off for like $350 but that's still a chunk

RezinTexas

A similar way to this would be to use T bore gauges and a micrometer.

3rdCoastPowerSports

iTrader: (5)

found this one, looks like a winner. Starrett 3089 Series Dial Bore Gage

haulass350

iTrader: (2)

+1 for the Sunnen Dial bore gauges

we use them when doing bolt holes on generator rotors and steam turbines they are nice.

raven154

iTrader: (14)

Watch eBay too. I picked a Mitutoyo set for 120 and it looks brand new.

3rdCoastPowerSports

iTrader: (5)

so i should buy a metric dial bore gauge and not a inch one? I seen some that are .0005 is that good enough or does it need to be .0001?

RezinTexas

metric or inch it does not matter. 1 inch = 25.4mm exactly.

Either one will have the same accuracy of 5micro-meters.

I strongly suggest .0001" or .001mm resolution on the dial.