C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Engine Bore Scope

Old Jan 13, 2017 | 06:37 PM
  #1  
Big2Bird's Avatar
Big2Bird
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 1,028
Default Engine Bore Scope

Anybody know of a good engine bore scope that works well?
Reply
Old Jan 13, 2017 | 06:57 PM
  #2  
Big Block Dave's Avatar
Big Block Dave
Burning Brakes
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,165
Likes: 93
From: Bellmore NY
Default

Originally Posted by Big2Bird
Anybody know of a good engine bore scope that works well?
I have a Performance Tool brand inspection camera. I don't know if there are models that are better, but I can say that its a color camera [however inside of an engine, that really equals black and white due to lighting], and works fairly well. I think my expectations were higher as far as ease of use, but it does give good visuals.
Reply
Old Jan 13, 2017 | 07:27 PM
  #3  
Big2Bird's Avatar
Big2Bird
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 1,028
Default

Originally Posted by Big Block Dave
I have a Performance Tool brand inspection camera. I don't know if there are models that are better, but I can say that its a color camera [however inside of an engine, that really equals black and white due to lighting], and works fairly well. I think my expectations were higher as far as ease of use, but it does give good visuals.
Got a model #? I have 3 motors I need to peek into.

I would spend $300 if it was worth it.
Reply
Old Jan 13, 2017 | 08:14 PM
  #4  
'75's Avatar
'75
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 6,422
Likes: 591
From: McHenry Illinois
Default

I have a harbor freight one. Easily worth more (better) than the snap on one my friend has. Make sure to get the hi res one, usually on sale for around $169, has a 8mm head, I can get it down injector holes on the diesels. It records and takes stills.

http://www.harborfreight.com/high-re...der-61838.html

Last edited by '75; Jan 13, 2017 at 08:24 PM.
Reply
Old Jan 13, 2017 | 08:20 PM
  #5  
Big2Bird's Avatar
Big2Bird
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 1,028
Default

Originally Posted by '75
I have a harbor freight one. Easily worth more (better) than the snap on one my friend has. Make sure to get the hi res one, usually on sale for around $169, has a 8mm head, I can get it down injector holes on the diesels. It records and takes stills.
I was curious about the Snap On unit. You seemed to answer that.
Reply
Old Jan 13, 2017 | 09:08 PM
  #6  
mrvette's Avatar
mrvette
Team Owner
Active Streak: 120 Days
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Default

Hey Sparky, I dunno about your area, but rent one?? ~200 bux for something you going to inspect 24 cylinders with seems kinda high....

call around parts houses, and rental outfits....hell, maybe even check out hock shops.....

Reply
Old Jan 13, 2017 | 09:56 PM
  #7  
Big2Bird's Avatar
Big2Bird
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 1,028
Default

Originally Posted by mrvette
Hey Sparky, I dunno about your area, but rent one?? ~200 bux for something you going to inspect 24 cylinders with seems kinda high....

call around parts houses, and rental outfits....hell, maybe even check out hock shops.....

Naw. I'll use it Gene. Not a bad idea though.
Reply
Old Jan 13, 2017 | 09:56 PM
  #8  
L88Plus's Avatar
L88Plus
Drifting
20 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,883
Likes: 124
From: Lubbock TX
Default

If you get one from Hazard Frought, get the more expensive one, the camera is much smaller and will easily fit through spark plug holes. Not so with the cheaper model. Use the 20% coupon and you can usually score it for $120. Sell it on ebay for $100, it cost you $20 to use it.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jan 13, 2017 | 10:33 PM
  #9  
Scottd's Avatar
Scottd
Drifting
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,697
Likes: 139
From: Syracuse NY
Default

DO NOT try and 'rent' it from Harbor Freight. They have a pretty lenient return policy, but they wont tell you they charge a 15% restocking fee if you return one of their inspection cameras.

I bought the cheaper model with the intention to keep it, but my repair got real expensive and I decided to return it to recoup some money. They hit me with the 15% fee.....never told me beforehand. Im a big boy and accepted the fee without complaint, but I wish they had said something at the time of purchase.

If you are never going to use it again, you may want to pay to rent it.
Reply
Old Jan 13, 2017 | 10:33 PM
  #10  
Big2Bird's Avatar
Big2Bird
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 1,028
Default

Originally Posted by L88Plus
Use the 20% coupon and you can usually score it for $120.
For that much coin, I'll pick one up tomorrow.
Reply
Old Jan 13, 2017 | 10:47 PM
  #11  
zwede's Avatar
zwede
Race Director
25 Year Member
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,361
Likes: 383
From: Plano TX
Default

These were done with a $25 USB camera off ebay. Plugs into a laptop and shows up as a webcam. It will do video as well.


Reply
Old Jan 13, 2017 | 11:09 PM
  #12  
Big2Bird's Avatar
Big2Bird
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 1,028
Default

Originally Posted by zwede
These were done with a $25 USB camera off ebay. Plugs into a laptop and shows up as a webcam. It will do video as well.


Very impressive. For $25, that's a great deal as well.

PM me a link please.
Reply
Old Jan 13, 2017 | 11:29 PM
  #13  
Big Block Dave's Avatar
Big Block Dave
Burning Brakes
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,165
Likes: 93
From: Bellmore NY
Default

Originally Posted by Big2Bird
Got a model #? I have 3 motors I need to peek into.

I would spend $300 if it was worth it.
https://www.amazon.com/Performance-T.../dp/B00OPUX59Y

Can easily come in handy for other stuff around the house... I lent it to a friend that is repairing a dishwasher.

Or maybe you don't need some fancy doctor for your next colonoscopy.
Reply
Old Jan 14, 2017 | 08:33 AM
  #14  
zwede's Avatar
zwede
Race Director
25 Year Member
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,361
Likes: 383
From: Plano TX
Default

Originally Posted by Big2Bird
Very impressive. For $25, that's a great deal as well.

PM me a link please.
I thought I got it from ebay, but it was from Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Reply
Old Jan 14, 2017 | 01:31 PM
  #15  
cardo0's Avatar
cardo0
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,098
Likes: 378
From: Las Vegas - Just stop perpetuating myths please.
Default

Yes, yes, yes on zwede's USB camera. I shopped eBay and bought mine for $15 no shipping or maybe a little postage. It has LED lighting and a clip-on inspection mirror. It works well with my Samsung netbook but I can't get it to run on my Android tablet - I think the version of Android software is the problem there. Camera cable is 15' so it's a bit to long. Called an endoscope.

So many models difficult to choose so I used the best reviews.

Hope this helps.
Reply
Old Jan 14, 2017 | 03:20 PM
  #16  
buns's Avatar
buns
Safety Car
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 4,142
Likes: 704
Default

Here is a video I took of my crankshaft hitting the oil pan. El Cheapo 'endoscope' from China. I think I paid about $13.00 for it. Not bad quality.



Reply
Old Jan 14, 2017 | 09:12 PM
  #17  
Big2Bird's Avatar
Big2Bird
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 1,028
Default

Originally Posted by zwede
I thought I got it from ebay, but it was from Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It will be here Friday. Thanks.
For that price, I can't go wrong, even if its junk.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Engine Bore Scope

Old Jan 14, 2017 | 10:01 PM
  #18  
zwede's Avatar
zwede
Race Director
25 Year Member
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,361
Likes: 383
From: Plano TX
Default

Originally Posted by Big2Bird
It will be here Friday. Thanks.
For that price, I can't go wrong, even if its junk.
It works well. The only issue I noticed is that after a while it overheats. The image starts washing out and gets a blue tint. I use a wet rag I hold around it for a little bit to cool it off and it's good to go again.
Reply
Old Jan 14, 2017 | 11:18 PM
  #19  
ddawson's Avatar
ddawson
Le Mans Master
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 5,738
Likes: 644
From: Lincoln, CA
Default

I used the same cheap USB.





Reply
Old Jan 15, 2017 | 06:17 AM
  #20  
LT1M21Vette's Avatar
LT1M21Vette
Burning Brakes
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 951
Likes: 215
From: Foothills of the Adirondacks.
Default

10 bucks.

amazon.com/product/B01B5RRYP0/
Reply

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:39 AM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE