Engine Build Tools

[Grimis]

If my motor checks out im going to rebuild it, better then swaping in a new or going 6bolt route (its auto and just a pain). Any ways, ive been looking threw some post and not getting what im looking for, Im looking for the tools that will be needed to help in the process of putting it back together..

Before you go all ape on my like in some of the post here, Im having the machine shop clean/bore/hone and assable the crank/crank bearings and such with the MBCAD kit with arp studs and clevite 77 bearings.

Now after that, Im going to throw some JE pistons (or stock pistons )and Eagle rods in it, with a new oem oil pump with the BS elem kit, and oem water pump along with oem gasket kit (all parts from mitsu).

I found Jegs has a piston ring installer kit, that will help in putting thouse in, but what other tools and gauges should i have on hand to make sure things stay into spec??

I'll have a haynes manual and my pops beside in the build (hes built some nasty engines back in his days) and you guys and all of the WWW.

Thanks

 

[Locke]

A good socket set and wrenches are a must (you probably already own)

As stated, you will be needing a ring compressor.

Quality torque wrench.
Plastigage.
Set of feelers.
Good Caliper.
A File.

Off the top of my head thats about it, considering a shop will be doing the work to the block and installing the crank. I am sure others will chime in if I am forgetting anything.

I am curious though, why you would have the shop install the crank, bearings, and studs, and not install the rest?

 

[luvmygst]

I would at least let the shop put the rods and pistons in, that way they can check the rod bearing clearance and set ring gaps. It could not cost that much more. Then you would have an almost complete longblock.

 

[Locke]

Plastigage.

(...) that way they can check the rod bearing clearance.

Thats what the Plastigage is for.

Grimis: But, if you don't feel comfortable enough installing the crank yourself, you probably shouldn't install the rods and pistons yourself.

 

[Grimis]

yeah, thats what my pops said, if im getting new rod/piston let them do it so its out of the way, and thinking of a new crank.. but thanks for the info, if i do save my block, ill let them do most of the install, the pump and such i can do, ill let the shop do the other and buy the tools later... Thanks

 

[Locke]

Better safe that sorry.

Good luck with that motor, then.