What would you guys say are the tools you must have ?
I have an 02 Camaro SS and I want to install everything in my car. Its a goal. So having that in mind, What should I have ?
Im planning to start my car off with all the suspension stuff, Then I want to go ahead and put some QTPs with a catted Y pipe, GMMG exaust, 2800-3200 Stall, Maybe a Trans Go shift kit(havent decided), AFR heads, TR 224 on a 114 cam, and finally a FAST 90mm Intake and a Nick Williams 90mm Throtle body.

 

i think you post this in the wrong place... try serching b 4 you ask the questions b/c then you'll get some dumb remarks..trust me been there try going to this link
https://ls1tech.com/forums/new-ls1-owners-newbie-tech/361959-so-you-wanna-fast.html. found it where it says ls1 owners and enthusiets look for "so you want to be fast" its a sticky theres two parts to it great info.. if you want to post another question put it in ls1 and ls6 engines this section is for tools like the ones we use to take the cars apart. sockets, wrachets, screwdrivers etc etc..

 

The only tool I ever use is a BIG mother hammer... the "best"!

 

I think I get where you're coming from. It sounds like you're wanting a good starter set for all-around car work. Some searching in this forum would be a good start, but here is what I get by with:

Wrenches/Sockets
3/8" socket sets, metric and SAE, with deep sockets and regular sockets for both.
3" extension for 3/8" sockets
6" extension for 3/8" sockets
Universal swivel for 3/8" sockets
Large Torx bits for 3/8" ratchet (for upper shock tower bolts and the rear tie downs)
3/8" breaker bar
1/2" breaker bar
1/2" -> 3/8" adapter
1/2" Torque wrench
3/8" Torque wrench
Metric wrenches
Metric Gear wrenches
1/4" sockets are not necessary, but nice to have around for some tight spots
Vice grips
Small, medium and large crescent wrenches
Needle nose pliers

Screwdrivers
Get a complete set. You'll need them all eventually.

Lifting gear
Jack. Get a good one. Your life might depend on it someday .
Jack stands. Please don't rely on a jack alone.
Wheel ramps (optional).
Wheel chocs. I use a couple pieces of 4x4 I had lying around.

Misc.
Dremel (optional). Very handy.
3-jaw puller. I have a 5". Pulled the crank pulley with it beautifully.
2-jaw puller/ball joint remover. I bought one to get the upper spindle ball joint open when I did my shocks. Very handy and isn't a hammer.
2 lb rubber mallet. Ye olde multi-directional inertial device.
Safety glasses. You'll need them when you're under the car trying to get something loose with dirt heading straight for your eyes.
Extendable mirror.
Extendable magnet.
Tie wraps.
Snips.
Wire stripper/cutter.
Plenty of shop towels, band-aids, and bactine.
Patience.

Eventually, if you can, I highly recommend a compressor with a good hose reel. This will allow you to use an air ratchet and an impact wrench, both of which make life a lot easier.


-Mike

 

..a tool chest too - preferrably a $12K one in red....


you also need a second mortgage to finance these purchases...

 

No joke. Most of my stuff is Crafstman/Husky. Yeah, it sucks compared to Mac and Snap-On, but it gets the job done. I've accumulated the above over the past few years, buying stuff as I need it.


-Mike

 

mac and proto tools are the best.. hardly ever mess up and when they do you have free replacements..

 

10mm gear wrench, about 70% of work on these cars can be done with that alone.

 

Get a flex head. I have used mine a lot now that I think of it.

 

Ratcheting Open end wrenches are my new personal favorite.

 

fifteen 10mm sockets. my car car has ate ate least 6 or 7 of them. its like everytime i turn around..my 10mm=gone.