how does this dial gauge and stand look?
 

saw this on ebay..... would it be adequate for my engine build?

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1136028769.jpg

How long it the travel on the indicator? you need at least 1 inch. Harbor Freight has a set up like that for under $25.00

The Z block works much better than a stand for holding the indicator. There's not a good area to mount a magnetic base. We calibrate all our indicators at the machine shop where I work and there's really no difference in accuracy between a cheap and high dollar indicator as long as they're both working. I suggest buying the Z block and a cheap NEW dial indicator.

For adjusting valves or cams, you can use the clamps that mount the extension arm to the base post to clamp to valve cover studs, or other studs close by, and adjust the extension arm to get to the right position. It's a little fussy, but it works. The valve adjustment will be much easier with the Z-Block. These measurement are pretty small. .004" (.1mm) for the valves and about that for the cam overlap, if my memory serves me, so make sure that your dial indicator resolution (increments of measure) is condusive to making measurements this small while still allowing a 1" or so total travel to accomodate the overall travel during cam timing. A indicator that measures in 1/100ths (.01mm) of a millimeter is good. Measuring in thousands (.001") of an inch works ok too.

Unless you are building a motor with a high lift cam, the standard dial indicators with 1/2" travel are sufficient.
Buy or borrow the "Z" block. The magnetic dial indicator base sucks for use on a motor made out of aluminum.
Given the dimensions, you could probably make your own Z-block out of wood in a pinch.
-Chris

I typically use a mag base indicator holder much like the one pictured, but as mentioned above, not a whole lot of steel to attach it to. So I took a piece of 1/4" plate steel and drilled a few holes in it. I slide the plate over a nearby stud and bolt it down.

hmm. getting hold of the z block over here is tricky. buying from pelican means $40 plus $29 shipping plus 20% import duty !! (ba$tards) has anyone got some rough dimensions so i could knock one up from wood? (chris?!)

I'd suggest aluminum so it's rigid. I made mine, I'll see if I made a drawing.

thanks david

I've used both but not all dial gauges will work with the z-block. I had to purchase another dial indicator with enough reach to extend through the z-block and hit the retainer.

rcwaldo's suggestion would work just fine since the engine is out.

Here's a drawing I made of my block:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1136074319.jpg

even my chepo dial indicator has a scew-on tip. You can get extensions in pretty much any lenght for them to make it work with the z-block.

ingo

thanks for the plans david! and ill bear your comment in mind mike

hapy new year!

Andy where in the uk are you I would be happy to loan you my Z-block, I have just finnished my 3.2 rebuild and know what a pain it is spending loads of cash on tools you hope you wont be needing again in a long time.


Steve

Hi Steve, i'm in essex. id be happy to 'rent' it off you!

how about you send it to me with your return address and i send it back to you with a drink as a thankyou?