What Engine Building Tools Do You Need for a Rebuild?

You need tools for four jobs: installing pistons and rings, turning the crankshaft, setting up the valvetrain and supporting the engine while you work. Most motor rebuild tools are task-specific, so plan your list around the assembly steps in your build.

A typical set of engine rebuild tools includes:

• A piston ring compressor sized to your bore
• A crankshaft turning socket for rotating the engine during assembly
• A harmonic balancer installer that seats the damper without a hammer
• A pushrod length checker and a valve spring installed height gauge
• An oil pump primer to build oil pressure before first start

You'll also need a way to hold the block. Browse engine stands, and use our guide to choosing engine stand capacity to match the stand to your engine's weight. For a shorter starting list, read the must-have engine rebuild tools guide, or shop the full range of automotive specialty tools.

Piston Ring Compressors and Ring Squaring Tools

A ring compressor squeezes the rings flush with the piston so it slides into the bore without breaking a ring. A tapered compressor is a bore-specific sleeve that compresses the rings as you push the piston through it. An adjustable band compressor wraps around the piston and tightens to fit a range of sizes.

Bore-specific and adjustable options in this category include:

• PROFORM tapered ring compressors for 4.125" and 4.310" bores
• ARP ring compressors for 4.040", 4.155", 4.560" and 84mm bores
• Lisle Tools adjustment screw sets for wrinkle band compressors across a full range of piston sizes

Before you fit rings, square each one in the bore so you can measure end gap accurately. PROFORM billet aluminum ring squaring tools come in 4.000"-4.230" and 4.240"-4.380" ranges. Pair these tools with the pistons and piston rings for your build.

Crankshaft and Harmonic Balancer Installation Tools

Crankshaft and balancer tools let you rotate the crank, install the timing gear and seat the damper without damaging the crank snout. A crankshaft turning socket fits the snout so you can turn the engine with a ratchet while you check clearances. PROFORM also offers a crank gear installation tool for seating the timing gear.

The Moroso harmonic balancer installation tool fits Small Block Chevy engines or any engine with a 7/16"-20 threaded hole in the crank. It pulls the balancer onto the snout with a threaded rod, so you don't have to drive it on.

Other crank and front-end tools in this category include:

• A replacement shaft for PROFORM harmonic damper installer/puller tools
• A balancer and crank gear removal tool bushing for Small Block Chevy
• Hydraulic puller sets for removing gears and balancers
• A timing cover alignment tool for GM LS-based engines

Cylinder Head and Valvetrain Setup Tools

Valvetrain setup tools measure and adjust the parts between the cam and the valves so your geometry, spring height and lash are correct. A pushrod length checker with an 8.5 in. maximum length helps you find the pushrod length you need before you order a set. A valve spring installed height gauge with a 1.800"-2.600" range shows you whether a spring needs shimming. Take these measurements during mock-up, before final assembly, so you don't have to pull the valvetrain apart later.

Common head and valvetrain tools include:

• COMP Cams lifter bore grooving tool for standard Chevrolet blocks
• COMP Cams rocker stud puller and tap guide with arbor, plus an 11/32" arbor pilot
• Lisle Tools valve keeper remover and installer kit for most OHV engines with 4.5mm-7.5mm and 5/16"-3/8" valve stems
• A valve stem seal install tool for 1997-up GM LS engines
• PROFORM valve lash wrench sets, including a T-handle set

How to Choose Engine Rebuild Tools for Your Engine Family

Start with your engine family and bore size, since many engine rebuild tools fit only one platform or one bore. For a Small Block Chevy or Big Block Chevy, the PROFORM oil pump primer also fits Chevy 90-degree V6 engines. For a GM LS engine, you'll need LS-specific tools such as a timing cover alignment tool and a valve stem seal installer.

Measure these items before you buy:

• Your finished bore diameter, before choosing a ring compressor or ring squaring tool
• Your crank thread size, such as 7/16"-20, before choosing a balancer installer
• Your valve stem diameter, before choosing a valve keeper tool

A PROFORM connecting rod vise and engine block parts kits round out a bench setup for short block assembly. If you're weighing cost against power goals, our budget vs performance engine build guide helps you set priorities. Once your measurements are in hand, shop engine building tools now by task and engine family.