Engine Building Tools

Precision engine assembly requires using a considerable number of tools while most work is done with ordinary hand tools a few specialized tools are also required. If you wish to undertake advanced techniques such as cylinder head assembly and valve face/seat preparation even more advanced machine tools will be required.

Hand Wrenches

Hand wrenches are the most fundamental of all mechanical tools this simple tool is available in at least a dozen variations but every mechanic should own at least one set of combination (open-end and box-end combined) hand wrenches ranging in size from 1/4″ to 3/4″.

Socket Sets

Socket sets consisting of a ratchet handle, sockets and extensions are the most versatile and efficient tools for engine work, drive sizes are 1/4″, 3/8″ and 1/2″ with 3/4′ and 1 inch being most often used in heavy-duty usually commercial and truck applications. Most common sizes used in engine building are 1/4″, 3/8′ and 1/2″ drive. The 1/4″ drive set is the most compact but it’s only suitable for small usually hand tightened fasteners like valve cover bolts. The 3/8″ drive socket set will handle most of the common fasteners found in engine assemblies while the 1/2′ drive set is best suited for heavy-duty fasteners like main bolts

Sockets that fit typical fasteners are often sold in sets commonly ranging from 3/8 to 7/8″ and are available in 6 point and 12 point configurations. In most situations 6 point sockets are the best choice since they have considerable greater turning power with conventional hex head bolts but many special fasteners like those from ARP have 12 point and require 12 point sockets. If you’re planning to use any of these specialty fasteners make sure you add a set of 12 point sockets to your toolbox.

Sockets also vary in height and commonly referred to as depth. You should have at least one ordinary standard height socket set. The short sockets are rather strong and will fit almost all fasteners. The set of deep sockets are essential if you be installing header main studs in your engine

Torque Wrenches

Torque wrenches are required for every engine buildup. There is a specific torque requirement published for every engine fastener. While some engine builders won’t bother torquing small accessories, we recommend torquing all fasteners. Many critical fasteners must be torqued to establish proper bearing clearances, gasket sealing and engine reliability. Some of these critical fasteners are Main and Rod Bolts, intake and exhaust manifold bolts, flywheel and clutch bolts, timing chain sprocket bolts and several others.

You will need at least one torque wrench with a range of two about 100 foot-pounds to obtain the highest precision. You should have a 3/8″ drive torque wrench with a range from 5 to 75 foot-pounds and a larger half-inch drive wrench with the range extending above 200 foot-pounds. Torque wrenches are not cheap but if you expect to obtain long engine life and top performance accurate torquing of fasteners is essential.

Extra Hand Tools

Additional hand tools will be required to complete your engine building project.  They are commonly found in most mechanics tool boxes and include screwdrivers, pliers, final cutters, wire strippers, hammers, chisels, straight an taper punches and other simple hand tools. The complete list of these tools would be quite long. Most are inexpensive and they are often required for other repair projects.

 We have just scratched the surface with this article and we hope it will help you get started with your new tool box. The bottom line is that you can never have to many tools.