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I see that the GM kit for rebuilding a LS1 is very expensive, I was curious if there is a kit that has the alignment tools and pullers for all tear down and rebuild. I know there are lots of options but i would like something nice just not $600 nice
Are you meaning the GM parts kit, or tool kit? You're talking 2 different things here.
The parts are usually very reasonable as overhaul kits go
There aren't that many specialized tools involved with rebuilding the LS.
Mostly those for aligning the seals, but they aren't mandatory either. Mostly just common hand tools are what you need.
Looking for a tool kit, anything needed for the harmonic balancer, pump and alignment tools.
The engine builder has many different tools for building engines and if you're not familiar with them or know how to use them then you should do some research before diving in. As for an LS oil pump it pretty much bolts on and yeah you can perform the feeler gauge technique and nothing wrong with doing it but I haven't had to do it. The front and rear main seals are installed on the LS covers just make sure your're not installing them backwards and unless you're running a double roller timing chain there's no need to space the oil pump or do any clearance work to the front timing chain cover and as for alignment of the covers the straight edge and my eyeballs haven't failed me yet. I use a three jaw puller to remove the stock harmonic balancer and I have a puller and installer for the ATI dampers but my go to installer is a piece of M16 X 2.0 all thread with a few nuts and some washers.
I have a few LS tools.
Purchased crank pulley installer I think from Summit but as above I have a homemade one I used for years.
I used a three jaw puller for years. But on Summit they have a puller the rotates onto the crank pulley spokes. I think its around $65. Looks pretty cool.
For the front cover seal alignment I took a truck front pulley. Cut the pulley ring off and took a brake cylinder hone to it until you can just slide it on and off the crank snout. Works great for front seal alignment.
Cheap fuel line disconnect tool.
Power steering pulley puller and install tool. Again from Summit. But I think you can "borrow" one from Oreilly's.
Flex plate/flywheel block tool so you can tighten the crank bolt.
He is referring to the Dealer service tool kit for LS1 based engines. Kent Moore J-43145
It's not really needed.
You can buy a generic 3 jaw puller to remove the balancer and they also generic version of the balancer install tool that is made from all thread a nut and some washers.
Same with all the other tools in the kit. You can buy generic versions that will accomplish the same thing.
He is referring to the Dealer service tool kit for LS1 based engines. Kent Moore J-43145
It's not really needed.
You can buy a generic 3 jaw puller to remove the balancer and they also generic version of the balancer install tool that is made from all thread a nut and some washers.
Same with all the other tools in the kit. You can buy generic versions that will accomplish the same thing.
That's what I was getting at above.
While there are specialized tools that ease some LS-centric jobs, you really don't need them when they can be done as you describe.
For a balancer install tool just search "LS harmonic tool" on your favorite site. You can get a basic one as low as $10 or with a bearing for $20-$30
For the balancer Puller, You can rent the harmonic puller at some auto parts store or you can buy one if you plan to do a few for as low as $30 Search harmonic balancer puller Gm on your favorite site.
You want to align the front and rear covers? Search "LS timing cover alignment tool" again on your favorite site. starting around $30
I would get an LS Specific Flywheel tool for tightening the crank bolt. again your search your favorite shopping site.
I would also recommend a Pushrod measuring tool If your installing an aftermarket cam and or heads.
He is referring to the Dealer service tool kit for LS1 based engines. Kent Moore J-43145
It's not really needed.
You can buy a generic 3 jaw puller to remove the balancer and they also generic version of the balancer install tool that is made from all thread a nut and some washers.
Same with all the other tools in the kit. You can buy generic versions that will accomplish the same thing.
Yes this is the kit that i was looking at, its crazy how expensive it is. I just don't want to take chances with the alignment
The flywheel/flexplate hold tool is another cheap one I got off Amazon, wish SBC had one of those.
Pushrods can be measured by sellers/manufacturers in 3 ways. I like to use the comp-cam Hi-tech pushrod tools but they have a magnum pushrod line tool, that is different because they outsource each line of pushrods from diff manufacturers or at least they use to. Most moly p-rod brands seem to use the Hi-tech specs but I've bought some that were off. I wouldn't say you really need the pushrods tool for LS mostly stock stuff but you need to go thru the checking procedure to make sure yours will work. Honestly LS guys really take a lot of valvetrian stuff for granted, as it is much easier to set up than older V8's [side rant]Annoys me how comp made the tools +7.8 & -7.8, you need both for SBC flat tappet, as I've used long or shorter than stock.
I've made some and bought some. Never needed the alignment tool, there's a way to do it without it.
Made these here for Balancer removal and install. Old Crank Bolt as a piece to push against with the puller..
Made the Balancer Install Tool, and a spare..
Bought all this local from a guy for $100. LS Engine stuff.
Engine Lift Plate, Crank Holder Tool that bolts inplace of the Starter, Pilot Bearing removal Tool, Wheel Stud Install Tool, Pushrod Measuring Tool, Vise Blocks and a Rocker Trunnion Install Tool. Clutch Algnment tool was in it, those are cheap I use a junk T56 Input Shaft for that.
I have a Craftsman Valve Spring Compressor that I re-shaped the tips to grab Dual Springs, works well.
Last edited by the_merv; Dec 27, 2024 at 09:43 PM.
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5.7 LS1 Tools 
