To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

torque wrench(es) for LS motor build?

Jim85IROC

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 15, 2010
Messages
333
Hi all... first time poster here. I found this site by doing google searches for torque wrench information. I've read a lot of threads here and learned a ton, but now I'm asking for advice.

I'm in the process of building a 402 inch LSx motor. The torque specifications for a lot of the bolts land at 18ftlbs, and the main cap bolts, which I consider to be of critical importance, require 15ftlbs before their torque-to-angle tightening.

Here's my issue... that 15-18ftlbs range seems to fall into never-never land. Most of the in-lb wrenches only have a range of up to 200in-lb (16.7ft-lbs), and most of the larger wrenches that have higher torque ratings are said not to be accurate at the low end of their scale.

I've found a CDI wrench that's rated from 5-75ft/lbs which would be absolutely perfect, but if their accuracy is only guaranteed for above 20% of the maximum scale, that means that anything under 15ft/lbs can't be trusted. I have some fasteners that need 106in/lbs, plus plenty right at the 15ft/lb mark.

Cost is a concern here, since I really don't see myself using this very often (I've survived 33 years without one so far!), but I don't want junk either... this motor costs too much to risk destruction because of a cheap tool.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
OP
J

Jim85IROC

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 15, 2010
Messages
333
I'm not sure how hot I am on the idea of a Sears torque wrench though. :( They seem to get a lot of negative comments from owners.
 
OP
J

Jim85IROC

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 15, 2010
Messages
333
Update: I just found a gearwrench 85051 25-250in-lb wrench at Amazon for about a hundred bucks. I recall seeing people say good things about most gearwrench stuff, and I know I'm happy as a clam with my wrenches. Time to research their torque wrenches. :)
 

Monte

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 23, 2008
Messages
12,677
Location
Germany
Stahlwille, Hazet, Gedore..... 1% - 3% accuracy through the whole scale range
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
OP
J

Jim85IROC

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 15, 2010
Messages
333
just pulled the trigger on a Gearwrench 85051 25-250 in/lb wrench and a PI PREC2FR100F split beam 20-100 ft/lb wrench, both from tooltopia. I hope they serve me well for years to come. :)
 

zoso

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 5, 2010
Messages
118
I see you bought yourself some wrenches, but if for some reason you end up not being happy with the Gearwrench, PI makes a 300 in/lb or 25 ft/lb dial type wrench too.
 

mrholeshot

MEMBER EMERITUS
Joined
Jun 22, 2010
Messages
8,043
On LS motors where torque is so critical up front I would advise you to use a Beam style 3/8 KD 0-600 inch lb torque wrench About 70 dollars through NAPA. Very accurate
 

jhelrey

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 15, 2010
Messages
7,257
Location
MN
I have both 3/8 and 1/2 Digital Torque Wrenches made by Gearwrench. Did not pay near what Northern Tool wants for them. Love them like you would not believe!
 

Mr.Nutcase

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 23, 2009
Messages
3,850
Location
USA
I have both 3/8 and 1/2 Digital Torque Wrenches made by Gearwrench. Did not pay near what Northern Tool wants for them. Love them like you would not believe!

Pics??? of the gearwrench, I heard they are US made.........
 

spv

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 6, 2010
Messages
301
Last edited:
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
Top Bottom