Racing Shops - Getting Started

A rod vise is one of those tools you will only find in an engine-builder's shop, but it is the best way to install and remove rod caps without damaging the rods. A dedicated rod vise, like this one from Goodson, mounts in a standard vise and can be easily put away to save space when not in use.

The most-used measurement tool during your build will easily be a torque wrench. Your engine's longevity depends upon properly torqued fasteners, so invest in a good wrench or two (one for small tasks measured in lb-in, and a larger wrench capable of measuring over 150 lb-ft).

A feeler gauge costs only a few bucks and is useful for everything from checking valve lash to checking piston clearance in the bore.

Engine building is all about accuracy, and a dial caliper, while it does the same job as a rule, is infinitely more accurate. Almost every measurement on an engine must be accurate to within plus or minus 0.001 of an inch (or less).

Leave the Plastigage to the stock engine rebuilds. A race engine builder should consider a quality micrometer the only way to measure such things as rod and main journal sizes.

When used in conjunction with a micrometer, a dial bore gauge is the quickest and most accurate tool for measuring bearing clearances for the rods, mains, and cam. It is also useful for checking cylinder bores and other areas.

A well-manufactured and properly installed connecting rod rarely fails in a race engine. Proper installation, however, requires that you measure rod bolt stretch and not just depend on a torque reading. This is because bolts torqued to the same number will have varying degrees of stretch when used with different lubricants. Ideally, most rod bolts should be installed with 0.005-0.006 inch of stretch. The only way to measure this is with a stretch gauge, like this one from ARP (Automotive Racing Products).

A dial indicator on an adjustable stand can be used to measure everything from piston TDC, to camshaft endplay, to movement of the rocker stud, as shown here. The indicator gauge should be able to measure to at least 0.001 inch. There are gauges capable of 0.0001-inch increments; they are expensive but will improve your precision.

Many engine builders begin by simply trusting their camshaft manufacturer to provide the correct cam. But most will quickly begin degreeing in their camshafts, since cam timing is so critical to maximizing power. A kit such as this one from Powerhouse Products makes degreeing your cams simple and painless.