Tools for blueprinting small block
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 10,628
Likes: 132
From: Duvall, WA
Tools for blueprinting small block
I'm about ready to start work on a small block to replace the original in my '71. I am going to blueprint the engine and want to get micrometers, etc. for my toolbox. Can someone recommend a quality, but reasonably priced source for this? Many of my tools (air compressor and air tools, torque wrenches, etc.) are Craftsman and that's about the quality level I am looking for. I want just want to avoid lousy products made by six year olds working twenty hour days in China.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,445
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
The term blue printing is making everything like the original design prints. Factory tolerances and years of warping and core shift get things way out of alignment.
It’s better to take your block and parts to a quality machine shop and just say, “I want this blue printed”, which includes align bored cam and mains. Boring the cylinders with TQ plates 90* to crank Surfacing the block deck………
Then have them balance everything. Then all you have to do is the assembly work. You don’t have measure hardly anything if your not using custom parts.
I would not recommend buying a bunch of expensive tools for a one time job. For air compressors you want professional quality with iron cylinders. I just have a small 6.5 hp Porter –Cable 20 gallon tank. I can throw it in the back of my pickup and it has enough CFM to run things like air wheel cutters which use massive cfm. It will also last a life time in the relatively low hours that i use it.
It’s better to take your block and parts to a quality machine shop and just say, “I want this blue printed”, which includes align bored cam and mains. Boring the cylinders with TQ plates 90* to crank Surfacing the block deck………
Then have them balance everything. Then all you have to do is the assembly work. You don’t have measure hardly anything if your not using custom parts.
I would not recommend buying a bunch of expensive tools for a one time job. For air compressors you want professional quality with iron cylinders. I just have a small 6.5 hp Porter –Cable 20 gallon tank. I can throw it in the back of my pickup and it has enough CFM to run things like air wheel cutters which use massive cfm. It will also last a life time in the relatively low hours that i use it.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 10,628
Likes: 132
From: Duvall, WA
My plan is for the machine shop to do the machine work, blue printing and balancing. But before I assemble it, I want to take the time to do measurements to assure everything is as it should be. Since I see two more engine builds in my future (a TR6 straight 6 and a F*rd V8, don't ask) I think it would be worthwhile to invest in some mics.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,445
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
I have digital calipers, dial indicator and 1-2-3-4 inch inside and outside micrometers. I have a 1/2 drive clicker type TQ wrench. I bought the damper installer & remover tool kits. I have the ring type solid units for 4 inch and 4.125 for piston ring compressors.
As time has gone on I've had to buy more and more 12 point tools.
As time has gone on I've had to buy more and more 12 point tools.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,676
Likes: 201
From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
YOu need 0-1" mic and 2-3" inch heck get them all 0 to 5 inch 
Dial bore gauge is a must, digital calipers for quick measurements on pistons diameters,pushrod lengths etc. never trust a digital caliper always use a mic when accuracy is important.
Dial indicator with metal base and maybe a accurate straigth edge for checking deck etc.
Starret makes most of these measuring tools but the cheaper mics can be just as accurate.
Dial bore gauge is a must, digital calipers for quick measurements on pistons diameters,pushrod lengths etc. never trust a digital caliper always use a mic when accuracy is important.
Dial indicator with metal base and maybe a accurate straigth edge for checking deck etc.
Starret makes most of these measuring tools but the cheaper mics can be just as accurate.
Last edited by MotorHead; May 20, 2005 at 08:39 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 6,134
Likes: 46
From: Raleigh North Carolina
I was measuring the crank enplay on a smallblock last night and just for grins, I tried to do it with a brand new set of feeler gages. Could not get a .002 gage between the thrust bearing and the crank when I had the gap opened up.... but when I used my magnetic base & dial indicator, I got .0038. Moral? Don't rely on feeler gages, but having a set is cool.
