PROFORM Tools Every Car Guy Should Have In The Toolbox (PART 1)

This article is based of: 14 Tools Every Engine Enthusiast Should Have In Their Toolbox by Greg Acosta. You can see the original feature on EngineLabs.com

Building an engine from scratch is a complex and demanding task. To ensure your build is successful, you need professional-grade tools. Fortunately, ProForm has a wide selection of engine building options so you can craft an engine that meets your specifications. From honing kits and micrometers to cam position kits and blue-printed valve springs, here are the essential PROFORM tools for engine building:

Degree Wheel Kit - P/N:68787

When it comes to camshafts and peak performance, precision is key. Proform's  Universal Camshaft Degree Wheel Kit is the perfect tool for the job. This kit includes a billet aluminum dial indicator mount and extension, as well as a piston stop so you can easily spot Top Dead Center. Additionally, it comes with a heavy-duty 9- inch degree wheel and bendable timing pointer - all conveniently stored in a blow-molded case. It's easy to use and offers top-notch accuracy when it comes to degreasing your camshaft. Don't settle for anything less than perfection!get the P/N: 68787 Universal Camshaft Degree Wheel Kit today!

Crankshaft Turning Socket - P/N:67606

Proform's Crankshaft Turning Socket is an essential asset to any degree wheel kit or engine working project. It provides security, sturdiness and convenience when mounted to the snout of a crankshaft with a set-screw. This tool offers a 1/2-inch square drive socket for use with a ratchet or breaker bar, meaning there are no harsh stresses on your crankshaft threads. Additionally, the threaded sallows you to easily attach a degree wheel while also not risking loosening it due to engine reverse rotation.Available for several applications including LS1/LS6, small block and big block Chevys, as well as Chrysler V8s, Proform's Crankshaft Turning Socket is the ultimate ally for your engine work.

Cam Checker Tool

While the degree wheel kit includes a dial indicator with an extended probe, Proform also makes this handy little tool, which plugs directly into your lifter bore to measure actual camshaft runout and lift. It’s machined with two diameters — .842 inches and .875 inches — on opposite ends to fit both GM and small-block Ford lifter bores.

Proform's checker has both flat-tappet and roller-shaped plungers, for accurate readings no matter what type of camshaft you have, with absolutely zero lash in the system. This tool can be used to measure actual lobe lift, duration, as well as degreeing the cam, with greater ease of use and less potential for error through deflection.

Cylinder Head CC Kit

Magnetic Deck Bridge - Proform P/N: 66797

This tool is one of those that is deceptively simple. A magnetic deck bridge  makes measuring anything to do with piston height incredibly simple. The Proform model has three different spots to mount a dial indicator, as well as mounting provisions of a set of calipers.

This not only allows for easy finding of Top Dead Center, but also for measuring actual stroke and for measuring piston deck height. The built-in magnets make for a solid, stable mount on the deck of the block, the stance accommodates up to a 4.500-inch bore, and the three dial indicator locations allow you to work around domes or dishes in the piston crown.

Connecting Rod Vise - P/N 66769

The Proform aluminum connecting rod vise is made from anodized aluminum to protect your connecting rods when clamped between its precision-machined jaws. This aluminum vise is designed for all sizes of aluminum or steel rods, and can hold several at once. It will mount in a bench vise or can be permanently mounted.

Properly securing the big end of your connecting rod when installing and torquing rod bolts (or removing torqued bolts) is a critical part of measuring bearing clearances using a dial bore gauge, and a dedicated aluminum vise is the safest and most secure way to accomplish that. Plus the anodized red finish just flat out looks awesome.

LS Main Cap Removal Tool - P/N: 67485

The Proform LS Main Cap Removal Tool is one of those devices that you look at and think, “How has no one thought of this before?” The LS line of engines has main caps with “wings” on them, which lend themselves nicely to being picked up and plucked out of the block like a mother picking up her child under the arms.

The ingeniously engineered tool evenly applies leverage on the main cap, separating it from the block easily, thanks to the significant mechanical advantage offered by the tool’s linkage geometry. Made from billet aluminum and finished in a slick black anodizing for a long lifespan the LS Main Cap Removal tool makes a tricky job ridiculously easy.