I'm about to assemble my motor. I would like to use micrometers to check bearing clearances. I figure I need 0 - 1" and 2" - 3" outside mikes and a 2" - 3" inside mike (a bore guage would be better maybe but is more $$$). I've managed to find a source where I can borrow one or both of the outside mikes (or Sears has a reasonable price) but I can't find a decently priced inside mike. Any ideas?

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Scott
'69 400SB, Richmond 5-speed
www.geocities.com/sdenning1 (http://www.geocities.com/sdenning1)

Scott,

Mitutoyo sells a Series 141 I.D. micrometer set that may fit your needs. A 2"-8" goes for $105 and the 2"-12" is $125. I used a similar set in a past life and they were very good.

Another possible option is to use a telescoping gauge. These differ from a dial bore gauge because there is no meter movement. Slip the telescoping gauge in the bore, lock it, remove from the hole and measure with an O.D. micrometer. The inexpensive ENCO brands are too cheap, IMO, to consider. A Brown and Sharpe set that ranges from 5/16" - 6" runs $75.

A nice Mitutoyo dial bore gauge starts at $200+.

Like an overdrive transmission, once you use a dial bore gauge you will never be happy with anything else.

A set of Mitutoyo O.D. micrometers will run $525 for a 0-6" set. Starrett's run $850.

Whatever system you use be sure to calibrate them. I.D. micrometers usually use an O.D. micrometer for this purpose. Hence, you must calibrate the O.D. first then the I.D. There's lots of room for error so take your time.

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I'd do as Carl says, I use the telescopic (snap) gauges for the inside measurements, they are easier to use, and you are reading from just one mike.
The mitutoyo I have read to tenths of a thousandth which is handy for bearings.

A big set with 1" 2" 3" and 4" is ideal.
David

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Scott,
I would not waste my money on an inside mike. It is almost imossible to check bearing clearances with one. If you search e-bay, you can find an inexpensive bore gauge for around $100 that will do a better job than any inside mike will. Once you do buy some mikes, find someone at a good machine shop to help teach you how to use them. There is a lot of "feel" to it, and can vary the measurements considerably.
Hope this helps,

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Bill Koustenis
Owner
Advanced Automotive Machine
Waldorf Md
1971 Chevelle "Heavy Chevy" original owner
1973 Z-28 ..one family car...Brother bought it new in 73

There are 2 places I know of that sell inexpensive micrometers, J&L tool and Enco.

CarlC, after spending good money for these they have to be calibrated?? I thought these would be dialed in.

Bill -

Thnaks for the advice. I checked it out and there is over 30 bore gages on e-bay! Here's one that seems to be a pretty popular there:
http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=564733862

Would this be a good choice? Anything in particular I should look for?