I posted this a while ago in the "tools" section but I didn't get much response so I'll try my luck here. I am looking for a dial bore gauge to use for future engine builds and just general use. Now I will rarely ever use it so my question is what is a good budget dial bore gauge. I keep seeing Fowler but their graduation is always .0005 which is not sufficient for what I want it for. Are there any other budget friendly options out there.

 

Get the Jegs tool for $80 or whatever it is and upgrade your indicator to something with .0001" resolution. I've got a mitutoyo indicator on mine, there are lots of options available provided you get the right collet size. It'll drop right into the tool body with no modifications. Also fits the rod bolt stetch gauge they have. You can feel the difference in quality judging from the weight difference... The mitutoyo must be 3x heavier than the Jegs one and infinitely more sensitive.

The "hotrodded" tool itself is adequate, though I often find myself wishing I could reach all the bores from one side of the block. I can get 1-3 from one side and 4-5 from the other (speaking of mains and cams). I've measured everything with it so far, seems to work fine for my purposes. Takes a bit of care to use because you have to move around more, but I just recheck my zero in a mic each time I remove it / put it back into the block. Doing that has made my measurements more repeatable.

Still not as good as higher end pro tools, but adequate for the diy'er wanting more precision. My .02....

-Chuck

 

Chuck said it all, I agree.

Chad

 

$800 indicator in a $80 dial bore gauge.

Gets the job done though.

 

Can I borrow that for the weekend??

 

Wondering this the other day. I'm in the market as well and was going to order either the summit or comp cams dial bore gauge.