Engine building tools
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Tin Foil Hat Wearin' Fool
iTrader: (36)
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,027
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From: Austin, TX
Engine building tools What brand should I go with. Need a mic, calipers, dial bore gauge, etc. Which tools should I get? Ring compressor brand? Tq angle gauge? All the normal stuff.
Teching In
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8
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For a ring compressor get the pliers type KD is a good brand. Stay away from the type where you put a 1/4 ratchet in it and turn a band to tighten the compressor. Dial indicator is a good idea. You should also get some plastigauge. I don't know about a torque angle gauge, never used one of those. You should also get a hole micrometer to measure your cylinder and bearing bores. Obviously a torque wrench is a must.
Sorry for the spam... mine are still for sale. 
https://ls1tech.com/forums/lsx-parts-sale/541259-engine-building-tools-micrometers-bore-gage-set.html
They worked very well. Enco had about the lowest prices around, and fast shipping, so you might poke around their web site for the Mitutoyo stuff.
https://ls1tech.com/forums/lsx-parts-sale/541259-engine-building-tools-micrometers-bore-gage-set.html
They worked very well. Enco had about the lowest prices around, and fast shipping, so you might poke around their web site for the Mitutoyo stuff.
7 Second Club
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Eastern Pa
I hate the all around fits all ring compressors, get the true 2 step cnc ring compressor that only fits a certain size bore. There about 20.00 a piece but they will never destroy a ring when installing pistons. Dont forget a good bolt stretch gauge too, there invaluable.
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1Slow, GMHTP mag has a great article going on (4 part series I believe) about building/assembly your first engine (theirs is a stroker in this case). In the first article, a month or two ago, they had a good section on tool selection that might help you out.
They outlined what all was needed, what the cost was, and where to get it.
You might want to see if you can find it on the web, or maybe order the back issue.
Hope this helps.
They outlined what all was needed, what the cost was, and where to get it.
You might want to see if you can find it on the web, or maybe order the back issue.
Hope this helps.
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