Ever since I bought my '93 Stealth I have always had this "itch" to learn how to work on it. Looks like I might be one step closer to that goal because next year I will be buying a '95 240sx and a buddy of mine who just happens to be a tech for our local Nissan dealer has said that he would love to do an engine swap on it with me. He has always wanted to swap a RB26DETT (skyline JGTC engine) into something. Although I feel that I am no where near that level yet. So I am just going to go for a S13 Red Top SR20DET (with a modest goal of 225hp +- 15hp) and from what I hear these are much more DIY friendly. So I should be able to learn lots while getting my hands greasy.
We are planning to do this in my empty 2 car garage, and by empty I mean empty. Not a tool in sight. So for the holidays I plan on buying some tools. Any advice you can give me on tools will be greatly appreciated. My buddy is probably going to be bringing more than a few tools over but I would like to at least have some tools that could call my garage home.
This is pretty much just a learning experience, so that if I make any newbie mistakes at least they won't be on my Super Expensive to fix Stealth. Thanks for all the info guys/gals.
Set of ratcheting wrenches (10, 12, 14, 17mm)
Full set of deep & shallow 3/8s drive sockets
1", 2.5", 5" and 7" 3/8s drive extensions
8, 14, 22 & 24mm open end wrench
8 & 10mm DEEP 1/4 drive sockets with a 3" extension
17 & 19mm THIN WALLED 1/2 drive sockets
Set of 1/2 drive "swivel head" extensions
1/2 drive breaker bar
32mm socket
Small flat head screw driver
regular flat and phillips screw driver
rubber and metal mallet
Full hex set
10mm 3/8s drive hex socket w/ 3/8s to 1/2 adaptor
magnet on a stick
timing belt special tool
white out
Long ass handled needle nose pliers (straight and angled)
3/8s and 1/2 in drive torque wrench
Engine/chassis and electrical manual
Low profile 2 ton jack
4 jack stands
lots and lots of paper towels & latex gloves
fender mat (usually an old towel)
pitman gear puller
With all this stuff, I've been able to do anything to a 3/S.
2020 Miata Club - BBS package
2020 GMC Sierra Elevation Duramax
2014 Exomotive Exocet - #101 "shocker yellow" - sold
Read more: http://mevowners.proboards.com/thread/5 ... g-pa-build
99 Solano Black VR4 - #16 of 287 - ground up restoration - sold
"I don't actually work on cars, I just talk about them on the internet."
Greg's setup is a bare minimum and will get you by on your Nissan swap for the most part, but it's not going to outfit your garage to work on many cars and don't bother buying individual sockets (obviously).
At bare minimum to outfit a basic garage I think this is what you'll need:
You'll also need 4 jack stands (at least 2) and a good 3ton jack, a prybar, and a can or two of PB Blaster.
SR20 (done 3 of them myself) isn't a hard install and you're really only going to need a few select tools, but if you're going to be working on cars I'd recommend starting with the stuff I posted above and building form there. It's also nice to have ratcheting wrenches and stuff like that, but it's not necessary at all. Your biggest tool will be experience, the more you work on stuff the easier it gets. The first time you do a job will take you 3 hours, the second time will take you 30 minutes
Also, make sure you get your sockets/ratchets from Craftsman or another brand with a lifetime warranty. Ratchets do break and sockets do split and it's nice to get replacements for free. Doesn't matter where you get stuff like screwdrivers and pliers and stuff.
[quote=""JagdStealth""]Also, make sure you get your sockets/ratchets from Craftsman or another brand with a lifetime warranty. Ratchets do break and sockets do split and it's nice to get replacements for free. Doesn't matter where you get stuff like screwdrivers and pliers and stuff.[/quote]
Craftsman has a lifetime warranty on screwdrivers too. I always tell my mechanics to buy 2 full sets of Craftsman screwdrivers (if you are doing it full time). One set to use until they start to wear out, and then start using the other set while you find time to make your way out to the local sears to replace the worn out ones.
Craftsman makes a lot of great tools for the people who do the occasional job at home. Their basic tool sets have a lot of what you will need to get yourself started.
Don't forget to get yourself an engine hoist. You can pick them up from Autozone or Pepboys (or whatever chain store you have around you). Or, search out craigslist... tons of good used tools on there. Don't be afraid to buy some used snap-on or matco tools from craigslist. Most of their hand tools also carry a lifetime warranty and you can call your local sales office to get in touch with the local salesman in your area to exchange any broken ones for free (or run into him at a local mechanics shop or dealership). These tools will last a lot longer and have less of a tendancy to break, but their price is up there and unless you are buying them used, it's usually not worth the money for the type of work you want to do.
I buy everything from craftsman just because it all has a lifetime warranty, but I wasnt' ure if this guy was looking to spend $700 right off the bat for tools.
I will probably end up getting all of those sears tools mentioned and then start adding to it as I need them. Thanks for all the responses, I'm off to work! (sales rep at a department store)
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