Tools for Engine (short block) Assembly

[Sixtyin3]

Looking to assemble my own short blocks. I need some precision measuring tools and I'm not entirely sure where to start as I don't really own anything outside of torque wrenches and a pair of digital calipers.

I plan on primarily working on Toyota 2JZ engines, but stuff that I can use for other platforms would be great too.

Here's what I'm thinking I'm going to need, but I'm open to suggestions.

- Good 3/8" torque wrench that will let me measure in ft lbs or angle (such as a Snap On TechAngle wrench)

- Good set of Micrometers 0-4", no idea what brand or what I should look for

- Dial bore gauge, same thing, not sure what I should be getting here

- Bolt stretch gauge

- Ring expander and ring compressor

- Ring filer

Am I missing anything for my basic set of tools for short block assembly? Anyone have specific tools that are worth the cash. I don't want to buy cheap stuff, but I don't need a $3k set of mics either.

Thanks.

 

[one9gt]

plastigauge, cam bearing install/removal tool, a good tap & die set. also good to have would be carbide scapers to scrape gasket material off (more for disassembly but good to have, great for aluminum heads/blocks as it wont gouge the aluminum

 

[rodsnratfinks]

Might want a piston groove cleaner and a crank turning socket. Not essential, but useful.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

 

[Air21]

I'm very happy with my Mitutoyo micrometers though I don't work on engines. I feel like I heard Fowler is popular with mechanic types, someone has a set here in the shop and they aren't bad.

Bore gauges are tricky and can get very expensive. I use one almost every day and I appreciate the Mitutoyo ones the shop sprung for over the whole shelf of Peacock gauges.

I wouldn't buy any precision tools like that off a Truck because I don't know who makes them.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Are you doing the machine work, or assembly only?

 

[Sixtyin3]

Only assembly. No machine work. Just a hobby.

 

[APEowner]

cam bearing install/removal tool

Probably not for the Toyota 2JZ but nice to have if you work on any old school American engines.

I'd add the following items to the list

dial indicator
precision straight edge
depth mic with either a really large anvil or a bridge block


I think the Mitutoyo stuff is a nice compromise between precision and cost. I've found Fowler to be hit and miss on quality ranging from excellent to trash.

 

[justanengineer]

JMO, but I'd start with 3/8" and 1/2" torque wrenches, Mit or Starrett dial caliper, Mit/Starrett (I prefer 1-2" total travel for engine work) dial indicator/assortment of tips/extensions/mag base, and whatever other special installation tools you need for basic assembly like a cam installation set. Some things like the ring expanders/compressors and special filers are more of a nicety than a necessity. I'd also recommend finding a good reputable machine shop rather than heavily investing in measuring tools, not to sound like a jerk but the fellas that do this daily invest in calibrating, maintaining, and have the skill to use special/tricky tools like bore gauges whereas most hobbyists dont and/or screw things up pretty badly. Someone who is the master of everything will be along shortly to argue the last point.

 

[alex95eg]

Thread restoring set, used micrometers are plentiful, dial bore if it is in the budget. Telescoping gages as well. Rod balancing tool as well. A small press for those press fit piston pins.

 

[Ohmthis]

Here's a list of engine tools I use
Fowler 0-4" mic set (learn to read them in a venier scale and save some money)
Fowler dial bore gauge
Good set of feeler gauges (both straight and angled)
Magnetic base and a good (I have a second hand starrett) 0-1" indicator
You can buy just the base for a rod stretch gauge and use the indicator
I use a generic band type ring compressor. They work ok, but if you will using the same bore exclusively then I would get a solid type.
A regular fine file in a vice is all I use to file rings. I use a very fine stone to clean the edges.
You don't need plastigage with the bore gauge, but is nice to double check.
Torque wrenches are engine specific, but I only use a 3/8 and 1/2" cdi ft lb clicker.
I have a craftsman hammer that has four screw on heads. It has a nice rubber handles to drive pistons and different heads.
Standard handtools round it out.

 

[rsanter]

Dial indicator for crank end play.
Taper piston installer

Bob

 

[larry_g]

A good straightedge could be of use. Do you need a stud puller kit? Balancer puller? Ridge reamer? Various soft drifts and hammers.

I'm assuming that your going to be disassembling these engines ans some of the above tools are for that.. Are there others special to the engine your working on?

lg
no neat sig line

 

[mikewatson]

ive done some 2jz motors on my supras . all i used is . GOOD SENSITIVE 1/4 and 1/2 torque wrenchs (not ones that click close to set in lbs . ), damper puller . ring file, ring installer ,micrometer , plastic gauge , valve remover tool, seal driver , feeler gauges. . after machine shop works the block and head over , I used all new parts, other then crank and bare head and block so some tools are not needed since im not reusing alot of the internals .buy good timing belt tensiors for the motors , big hp snaps then off