Engine Building Tools

Building engines requires high-quality, high-power tools that can stand up to the job at hand. Whether you’re new to the world of building engines or you’ve been doing it professionally for most of your life, it’s important to have the best tools possible. This new year, there is a wide variety of tools for engine building that you can get to upgrade your building game.

Finding the Right Supercharger

Your engine needs excellent horsepower to perform its best while on the road. Superchargers help your engine by boosting its horsepower and torque and are especially popular among people who use their cars for racing. There are several types of superchargers.

  • Root-Style Superchargers –Known as blowers, these superchargers are popular because they have a simple design and are affordable.
  • Screw-Type Superchargers –These are similar to the root-style superchargers but have different internal rotors. They are more expensive because they require a high degree of tolerance.
  • Centrifugal Superchargers –These superchargers are bolted beside other belt-driven accessories in the vehicle. They produce more power than other types of superchargers.

Whether you need an SBC blower or another type of supercharger, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. Don’t be afraid to ask for professional help choosing one if you’re new to engine building. This way, you can be sure you get what you need.

Choosing the Right Transmission

There are two main types of transmissions that people tend to use in their engine-building endeavors. The first is the Powerglide transmission. These types of transmissions are best for cars that weigh less than 3,200 pounds. They’re also good for cars that have limited traction or that launch hard because they provide more consistency.

The other main type of transmission is the TH400. These are best for cars that will be on the street but may also race. They are good for vehicles with large tires or heavier cars that require three speeds to start running.

If you need the best of both worlds, there is an alternative known as the TH350. These transmissions have three forward gears like the TH400 but not as much rotating mass. However, it’s important to note that because the TH350 requires some expensive components, it will be a high-priced engine build.

The Tools To Meet Your Job’s Needs

The engine’s components are only part of the tools you need. Obviously, you’ll need a high-quality toolset to help you get started. It should include a variety of items.

  • Tapered Ring Compressor –Used to install pistons and their connecting rods.
  • Piston Ring Filer –Clamps to a workbench and uses a crank to file down piston rings.
  • Piston Ring Squaring Tool –Squares the piston ring so that you get more accurate measurements of the ring end gap.
  • Crank Socket –Helps you spin the crank so you can turn an engine on.
  • Harmonic Damper Installation Tool –Presses the harmonic damper into place via a crank.
  • Dial Bore Gauge –Measures the size, taper, or straightness of rod bearings, main bearings, and cylinder bores.

When choosing tools like these, it’s always a good idea to compare a few brands and think about their advantages and disadvantages before making your final purchase. Keep in mind that this is not a comprehensive list of what you’ll need. If you need help, consider talking to the professionals at your local automotive shop.