So, I'm checking out a few dial calipers & dial indicators for engine work (and whatever else I could use 'em for)... are there any specs I should aim at?

The calipers are 6"/150mm ... large enough? Too large?

The dial indicator is 1" travel, 0.001" increment, AGD style. Should I get 1/2" travel? 2" travel? 1" seems to be the norm. Also, does it matter how much a gauge costs? I'm not going after high-end here, but the difference is $28 vs $45.

Also what the heck are the dial indicators about that use different tips? I've never seen that before.


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-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards
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I just bought a dial indicator with a magnetic base and a caliper. I'm using them for setting up rear end gears. I got a good deal on this stuff at the Swapmeet. The dial indicator is a Starret which is top-of-the-line. I only paid $35 for it and it normally costs $150. I'd rather buy used high-end stuff than cheap Chinese-made stuff.
.001 or better is what you want.
If you're doing rear ends, the caliper only needs to be 1" in .001 increments. As it's only going to be used for measuring shim thickness. You can also get a complete set of calipers from 1" to 6". Pawn shops usually seem to have things like this.

HTH

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AKA Pony Punisher II on all other boards.

89' Iroc-Z
ZZ3 short block-355 TPI ZZ9 cam
NOS 150 shot.
blah...blah...blah..
95' T-56, 6-speed
99' Z' rearend w/ 4.10's
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1997 black Trans AM
A4, bone stock except for the Flowmaster.

 

Damn, a Starrett for $35?? Looks like I should go find a swap meet! The dial indicator's I'm looking at are a Mitutoyo ($45) or an Xact ($28, seems to be a cheapie). Of course there's the Harbor Freight $10 special, too..

Should the dial indicator also have metric on it? I don't see metric used often with machinery, tho.


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-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards
---Think your car could be pic of the week? Visit http://www.f-body.net for details!

 

I give 2 thumbs up for Mitutoyo. I don't have a dial indicator but my verniers and micrometer are by them.

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1984 Silver Z28, 383 cid 4 bolt, ARP Fasteners, 2 1/2" Cowl Induction Hood, 600 cfm Performer Carburetor, Torker II Intake, Performer RPM Heads, XE268H Cam, Magnum Roller Tip Rockers, MSD6AL Ignition, Blaster2 Coil, Recurved HEI Distributor, 700R4, TransGo SK, 2.73:1 Limited Slip Dana 44, Terminator Headers, Custom 3" TIG Welded Stainless Exhaust, Flo-Pro Twister Muffler, 4 Wheel Disc Brakes, Oil Cooler

 

i like the 1" travel indicators for engine work and the last word type indicators for rear ends. if you buy starret you'll be way ahead in the long run. i've had good luck finding bargins on tools at flea markets and swap meets.

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-=ICON MOTORSPORTS=-
1st & 3rd

 

Great, thanks for the info! Maybe I can find a set of those telescoping gauges at a swap meet, too.

I went on ebay.com, and they have a bunch, but some of those pictures show the dial indicators "stuck" at a measurement, while the thing's laying flat on it's back. At least at a swap meet/flea market I could see the thing before I buy it.


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-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards
---Think your car could be pic of the week? Visit http://www.f-body.net for details!