As the time has come to finally start putting the engine (408) together for my Formula after closing in on two years now I've been doing a lot of searching on here, general research, and reading in regards to what I am going to need to assemble my engine. I've found a few helpful links on here, google, in a few books I have, and in the GMHTP series they published about assembling an engine.

From those resources I've managed to compile this lists of items I can see myself needing:

*- Inch pound torque wrench. I already have the foot pound ones covered.
- Caliper
- Dial bore gauge
- Ring filer
- Ring squaring tool
- Ring compressor
- Connecting rod vise
- Rod bolt stretch gauge
- Degree wheel
- Pushrod length checker
*- Cover alignment tools and oil seal installers = Have covered. I ordered a GENIII J tool kit earlier today
- Valve spring micrometer
- Engine stand

Can be made for minimal costs and effort:
- LS1 cylinder head bolt thread cleaning tool = https://ls1tech.com/forums/11528539-post5.html
- Valve spring compressor = https://ls1tech.com/forums/11518634-post3.html

What I could use some help on is not in only listing the items I am missing, but in helping find ways to save money. A prime example of this would be letsrunem's valve spring compressor that was made for $2.65 :
https://ls1tech.com/forums/11518634-post3.html

Tools that other members make not directly associated with bottom end construction will also be gladly accepted. I am starting from a bare block and putting together a complete turn key new engine.

I'd like to make this thread a complete guide of everything you will need that anyone could look at and be completely informed before they make the decision to assemble their engine themselves. If you have any great links to budget tools or items you've found extremely helpful post them up. As I find what I need I am going to update and consolidate everything so this is easy to read.

Thanks

 

Bump for some information.

 

I like my Crane valvespring compressor. Thats the only one I will ever use on Ls motors with heads in the car. With them off the car, I borrowed an air driven spring compressor. its pimp and makes spring installation a 10 minute job.

 

^ I've seen that common theme amongst the valve spring compressor threads. I just am not quite sure if I want to spend that much on a spring compressor when I have to buy so many other tools. My friend has an air powered one at his shop. I tried using it, but I think it is missing the attachment. It has just a round end instead of a U or V shape where you can drop the locks in.

 

Take a stock used headbolt and grind a flat on it. Works awesome.

 

^ That shoulds like it should work pretty well. I definetly have a lot of those available to me.

I updated the original post with a couple tools that can be made for little to no cost.

 

Lets get some more information and I'll add it to the original post.