Tools to buy ?

[declang]

OK folks, some advice needed...
I finally have a roof & doors on my garage so I can get my '75 911 2.7 inside and do some "tinkering".

I need to invest in some tools, and want to know I'm getting the right things. I don't intend to do engine rebuilding, or anything as dramatic as that.
I have some good basic tools; Range of screwdrivers, a few assorted ring spanners, pliers, wire cutters, and of course an "adjuster" or two and a set of vise-grips ( I know, I know, but they do come in handy now and again).

What tools should I be aiming to add as I go along ?

Off the top of my head, I need to following, but I don't know what types to get:
1. Hydraulic jack - Do i need an extra high lift version ?
2. Axle stands - Any particular type/size/shape ?
3. Socket set - I guess 3/8" or 1/2" drive ?
4. Torque wrench - same drive as socket set ?
- Do i need any strange shaped stuff, like torx bits ?

My list of pending jobs (in no particular order) is :

1. Do the CMA procedure on my mfi system.
2. Fix the stiff heater flapper boxes.
3. Fix the hand throttle so it stays in place.
4. Tidy up the wiring in the engine bay.

I don't want to spend a fortune, but I don't want to buy something that I'll have to buy a better one when I realise I've bought a cheap version !

Hope this makes sense, and I'd appreciate advice from the wise.

Thanks,
Declan

[ChrisBennet]

Are you sure you have MFI and not CIS? The '75's with the MFI engine (2.7RS engine) are rather rare.
-Chris

[mackskibum]

To get started, you will need a jack for sure, and a low profile high lift version would be preferred. You could also purchase the lift plates that sllide into the jack support in the rocker panel.

Set of metric combination wrenches 5-19 mm

Set of 1/4" sockets 5-13mm both deep and standard
set of 3/8" sockets 10-19mm both deep and standard
set of metric allen sockets

As far as the torque wrench goes, ultimately you will need both a 3/8" drive and a 1/2" drive. I would start with a 3/8" as long as it will handle the torque required for the lug nuts.

You will also need a decent set of screwdrivers, multiple types of pliers and a vice-grip or two.

A good quality set of jack stands is imperative.

[Rot 911]

Buy the highest lift floor jack that is within your budget. If you ever need to drop the engine you will need to get the rear of the car about 36" in the air. To keep the rear that high you will need jack stands that can extend to at least 22" to place under the rear torsion bar covers.

[vesnyder]

The one set of tools that I use a ton are the wrenches that ratchet - not the socket sets, but the ratcheting wrenches. If you do not have a complete set of standard wrenches I would get those first, but I have two sets of the ratcheting wrenches (one set with a slight angle) and I use them all the time! Another tool is a soft face hammer - just bought another this weekend after the face on my old one cracked? Any chance you have Harbor Freight (harborfreight.com) in Ireland - save me a ton on tools (like the hammer)!

[Wil Ferch]

I reach for these first...... ratcheting gear-wrenches with small heads...inclined 15% for finger clearance, reversible, and small-angle swing ( < 5-6 degrees) for ratchet action. Set 9620 is 8-19 mm.

http://www.kd-tools.com/9620.htm

-Wil

[declang]

Originally posted by ChrisBennet
Are you sure you have MFI and not CIS? The '75's with the MFI engine (2.7RS engine) are rather rare.
-Chris

Hi Chris,
Yes, it is MFI. The conversion was done during an engine rebuild in 1995. The po tells me was "upgraded to RS spec", but I haven't gone through all the parts receipts to verify what was and was not changed.

It does seem much more lively than another 2.7 CIS I drove briefly, but mabye that was a bad example !

Cheers,
Declan

[ChrisBennet]

Originally posted by declang
Hi Chris,
Yes, it is MFI. The conversion was done during an engine rebuild in 1995. The po tells me was "upgraded to RS spec", but I haven't gone through all the parts receipts to verify what was and was not changed.

It does seem much more lively than another 2.7 CIS I drove briefly, but mabye that was a bad example !

Cheers,
Declan

Cool! I've had the special MFI tools in my hands but I couldn't tell you what you'll need for the CMA.

For the jackstands, something tall like Kurt said. Try to get ones that have a shallow "U" (looks like this "}" turned sideways ) shaped top that will capture the torsion bar covers.

Don't forget wheel chocks, They are another part of safe jacking. Get some decent ones.

You don't have to spend a lot of money on the nicest tools but cheesy tools are not the bargain they they might seem.

Try to find an metric only tool set. The kind with the spot for every socket and ratchet are great. The ratchets that come with these sets aren't always the greatest but you can buy a ratchet you like and add it to the set afterwards.

You can never have too many 13 and 10mm box wrenches and sockets on these cars.

When it comes to combination wrenches (box on one end, open end on the other), use the open end only when you can't use the box end.
-Chris

[silverc4s]

You will definitely need one of these to do the MFI adjustments. A very good investment for long term use as well.

Synchrometer
Synchronizing your Porsche mechanical fuel injection or carburetors with our tool, is the only way to precisely measure the air intake for optimum power and a smooth idle.

Mechanical Injection/carburetor Synchrometer [Photo]
PEL-TOL-SYNC $53.80

The MFI adjustment tools are very useful also, they will save you some time.

[silverc4s]

You also need one of these:

911 Valve Adjustment Tool
Adjusting your 911'S valves? Make quick work of this job with our specialized tool, designed specifically for the air cooler engine. Valve Adjusting Tool allows for view of the adjustment screw as you tighten the locking nut.

Feeler Gauge, .004 inches [Photo]
PEL-TOL-P213 $9.95

[silverc4s]

Here's the MFI Toolset:

Mechanical Injection pump tools
The Adjustment Driver Kit contains three tools specifically designed to help you adjust the mechanical injection pump for performance or emissions tuning. One tool is used to remove a plug on the pump accessed through the fan. The other two are used for actually adjusting the pump's settings.

Mechanical Injection Pump Adjustment Driver Kit, 911 (1969-73) [Photo]
PEL-TOL-P206 $45.00

[randywebb]

I did a 2x take too Chirs - he's in Ireland.

[look 171]

I agree with will French. I did my fair share of mech work in my college days. I now do as little as possible. I enjoy the drive and not the fix. I know how wonderful those thing are. Porsches have little to no room to turn a wrench. I say you might think about an air compressor and some air tools. You will have to take a wheel or two off to get to things. Just get one that big enough to run impact wrenches. Do spend and get a good impect driver and a good torque wrench.

[aigel]

I would start out with a kit from Sears (craftsman). Kit prices are much less than single tools or even sets of 8. I would go for their "metric only" kit, if they still sell it. They used to have one.

You should focus on the 3/8 inch stuff for now. I would not buy any special tools unless you need them. Unless you are far away from a Sears, you can always do a tool run to get that odd torx bit or allen head socket.

Then once you are graduated in hand tools, it is time for an air compressor, air ratchet, impact, die grinder, air hammer etc. A lot of my suspension work is much easier with these and even the air ratched is used quite a bit, especially when disassembling engines on a stand or other scenarios where you have tens of the same size fasteners.

I have waited for a long time, but I finally got a very nice large tool chest with ball bearings. It's about 5' high by 4 by 2 deep. That way you have it all stowed nicely and accessible all in the same place. You can not buy too big a tool chest. The one I got is from Costco, stainless and excellent quality. It's about 50% of the cost of a comparable Craftsman, leave alone matco or snapon.

Have fun wrenching!!!

George

[anthony]

What George said. If you have nothing then I'd get one of those 300 piece Craftsman starter sets. It's hard to beat the value. An impact wrench even an electric one will really come in handy.

[Steve Marshall]

I think the basics have been covered. Here's a few of goofy cheap tools I seem to always end up using.

Set of dental tools.
Magnet on a stick.
Screw driver handled pick bent at a 90 ( no clue what you call this but it's great for digging out crap)
Swivel headed 1/4" sockets.
C clamps for brake calipers.
Flat oil line wrenches. They usually come in a set of four. There is also a special 36mm that is worth getting.

[Crachian]

Don't forget a good set of hex wrenches.

[declang]

Originally posted by randywebb
I did a 2x take too Chirs - he's in Ireland.

Indeed I am. Have only met 2 or 3 other 911's on the road.

I just put up some recent pics of my car at declangrady.com

[declang]

Originally posted by aigel
I would start out with a kit from Sears (craftsman). ...

I think sears might be a bit far for me to travel

You folks are spoiled over there with the availability of tools & parts, etc.


I ordered a few bits today (from Pelican, of course), just the special MFI stuff advised above, and a couple of jack-pads, and 2 struts for the front "hood" or "bonnet"

Thanks for all the suggestions folks.. much appreciated.

[bigchillcar]

delang,
nice car! but what's the matter with the engine lid? stuck?
ryan