which dial bore gauge
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
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
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)
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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
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
Last edited by RezinTexas; Feb 12, 2012 at 06:54 AM.
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
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Either one will have the same accuracy of 5micro-meters.
I strongly suggest .0001" or .001mm resolution on the dial.
