Required Specialty Tools for an Engine Build

[Muad'Dib]

Just as the thread title states .. what kind of specialty tools are good to purchase when building an engine?

[dwg86]

Torque wrench(1/2in dive, up to 100-150ft/lbs) and Piston ring compressor.

[Muad'Dib]

Thats it?? i would think i would need more than that.

I know ill need a lifter removal tool.

What about a feeler gauge? Precision measuring tools?

[dwg86]

My lifters fell out when I tore my engine down. I have never used one. Just snag the inside lip of the lifter with a screw driver and pull up. If there is an oil ridge or stain, you may have to do it a couple of times. Yes a lifter removal tool might be easier, but you don't need one.

If you are going to have machine work done, bore, crank turned, rods reconditioned. The shop will check all of these when they are done(or al least they should) You can check main and clearances with plasti-gauge(just need a torque wrench). You can check piston height with a feeler guage and straight edge...so yes, you will need feeler gauges. You will also need feeler gauges to check crankshaft end play and connecting rod side clearance.

If you are going to port the head, you will want it cleaned first. So take it to a machine shop for disassembly, cleaning, and checked for cracks. That way you won't need a valve spring compressor, unles you just want to buy one. Take the head back to the shop for a valve job. They will assemble the heads. If you are going to port the head, you will need an air compressor and die grinder, or at least a dremel.

If you are going to check your cam degree. You will need a degree kit, or at least a degree wheel and dail indicator.

I have built engines before with just a torque wrench, piston ring compressor, and feeler gauges. They were all stock rebuilds, maybe a little bigger cam, and all have ran for years with no problems.

[SilverXJ]

It depends how much you want to do yourself. I am using a compcams lifter bore groover, a degree wheel, push rod checker, dial indicator and magnetic base, torque wrench for at least the head bolts (to 110 ft lbs, I have 4 wrenches in various ranges and types.. I don't need them all for the engine, but comes in handy), flex plat holder thing, engine stand, engine hoist, valve spring compressor, taps to clean out the head bolts and various other bolts. If you are also assembling the short block you will need a piston ring compressor, and plastigauge at least. And you need an inverted torx socket for those stupid bolts on top of the bell housing. Once I am finished I will probably rent these tools out.

[seanyb505]

Harmonic Balancer Puller. Youll need a larger-than-usual star bit to attach the oil filter adapter, I cant recall what size as of now. 1/2" 12 point deep socket for the head bolts. I didnt have one so I had to go out and buy one.

[SilverXJ]

Harmonic Balancer Puller. Youll need a larger-than-usual star bit to attach the oil filter adapter, I cant recall what size as of now. 1/2" 12 point deep socket for the head bolts. I didnt have one so I had to go out and buy one.

Oh yeah.. forgot that too. I also rent the harmonic balancer installer from advanced, and i think you can rent the puller.

[Exos]

The lifters removal tool is cheap and makes it easy if your lifters are hard to pull out. You need feeler gauges to check for ring end gap and side clearance too.

[SilverXJ]

The lifters removal tool is cheap and makes it easy if your lifters are hard to pull out. You need feeler gauges to check for ring end gap and side clearance too.

I use a larger telescoping magnet for lifter install and removal. I got it at Autozone or Advanced Auto and the magnet is about 1/2" diameter. I had the tool but the handle broke.

[Mgardiner1]

I use a larger telescoping magnet for lifter install and removal.

I second that option.

[SilverXJ]

Plus it can be used for other things besides lifter install and removal.. like retrieving main girdle bolts from the underside of a piston.

[Muad'Dib]

I tried a couple different magnetic pick up tools, and they just plain didnt work. It didnt even stick to the lifters. I think im ok with a lifter removal tool.

[Mgardiner1]

The little weenie magnets thats are only like 1/4" round will probably do as you described. You need one that has like a 15-20lbs rating. OR, i lifter removal tool

[seanyb505]

I just flipped the engine and gave it a good shaking to get the lifters out.