Dial Indicators
 

Where can I get a metric dial indicator for the cam timing adjustment? What range do I need 5mm or 10mm etc.

Thanks.

Stoddard sells a dial indicator and Z block combo that works great for cam timing

Do they have a website or can you direct me to their number?
Thanks.

Stoddard Imported Cars

800-342-1414

Dial Indicator - p/n t33.038.580 - $46.35
Extension tip - p/n t33.149.250 - $7.36
Z block p/n t33.038.207 - $36.77

They also have a website. I always find it easier to order over the phone from them.

You need 1/2" or 10mm of travel. If you can afford them, I love my digital ones.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...Indicators.JPG
Ones like these run around $140 ea but they are sooo nice to use.
-Chris

Thanks Tom1394racing for the info. Thos digital one's are cool. Are you using two at the same time? How do they work? Do you start at zero and measure the clearance while rotating the crank? Where did you get them and what brand are they?

I got the tan one from Grainger years ago and the dark gray one from MSC (www.mscdirect.com). Both are made by Mitutoyo.
In that picture I'm using them to time the cams on a 944S2.
This is from page 1293 of the current MSC catalog:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1129823937.jpg

-Chris

The dial indicator I have been using happily for several years cost me about $7 and Harbor Freight Tools.

You do not need metric or any fancy electronic indicators if you are only going to use your indicator once or twice a year. The electronic high end stuff is great if you use your tools often, but a calculator and couple minutes of time will give you the metric equivalent and save you a couple hundred bucks at the same time. I bet Chris did not buy those just to time one engine a year. Also the dial type is nice sometimes because you can see it move as you are approaching your desired position.

Yup, I use my regular mitutoyo 1" travel indicator and a calcumalator ;)

Like Tim and Sam said, the digital indicators are a little overkill if you don't use them often.
On the other hand, the digital ones are a little like compressed air - you probably got by without owning a compressor for years. But once you get one you don't know how you ever got by without it.
-Chris

Chris, how do you like your "SUV"? I wouldn't mind picking up an 944S someday.

I'm on my 2nd 944S2. Maintenance is a bit of a pain compared to a 911 but other than that S2's are great daily drivers. With snow tires on them and they are even good in the snow. The rear transaxle gives you weight right over the rear tires without resorting to carring cement bags in the trunk like you would with say a BMW.
-Chris

I lucked out and found a metric one with the z block and extension one on the classifieds that was posted a while back. Thanks for all the info guys.