DTi gauges

[BootStrap]

I'm about to order one of the above but am wondering if they come with an angle gauge on some of them to match with the angle of the valves in-situ - can't see any that specifically state this. Am I thinking clearly on this?

Can anyone recommend a good quality manufacturer/model, reasonably priced?

[Evoluzione]

The provision to fix it and angle it comes on the stand, usually one of the magnetic ones, is that what you mean?

A DTI is just that - the gauge. Stand is separate or as a two part kit.

Watch out for how many decimal places it reads to if this is important to you, most are to two, more is rarer and more expensive.

For actually measuring something (like valve lift) I prefer digital, for a comparator (say for checking bores for wear) I prefer the analogue type, but that's just me.

[BootStrap]

I've acquired a car with a knackered engine and possibly aftermarket cams. Before I remove the engine I'd like to know if the cams are standard or not so want to measure the lift - would I need to angle the gauge/stand with a protractor to match the valve angles or are there stands out there that have this facility built in?

I need to check bores for wear once its out too - but that won't be until next winter as I have a different engine to use in my project till then although the engine is coming out in a month or so.

edit: on the pictures the probes are fairly short, for TDC/BDC measurements do some come with extensions? What usually happens in the scenario is that I buy something just adequate for the task at hand then the next job requires a better bit of kit. I have recently promised myself not to just buy the cheapest tool only for the job facing me - perhaps in this case as I will eventually be fully rebuilding this engine I need to spend the wedge now for a good kit that can be used for various jobs.
(Engine is renault F7R)

Edited by BootStrap on Tuesday 12th February 13:47

Edited by BootStrap on Tuesday 12th February 17:43

[DVandrews]

THere is a design on my website for DTI mounting brackets that will mimic the valve/follower angle, it is within the cam timing article. This will present the DTI probe perpendicular to the follower base so there is no distortion of the reading due to geometry.

I use a piece of TIG wire to make an extended tip for the TDC gauge, this is threaded into the end of the gauge , similarly some bent TIG wire is used on the gauge used to measure valve lift so that it clears the core of the cam.

Dave

Edited by DVandrews on Tuesday 12th February 16:26

[Evoluzione]

BootStrap said:

I've acquired a car with a knackered engine and possibly aftermarket cams. Before I remove the engine I'd like to know if the cams are standard or not so want to measure the lift - would I need to angle the gauge/stand with a protractor to match the valve angles or are there stands out there that have this facility built in?

I need to check bores for wear once its out too - but that won't be until next winter as I have a different engine to use in my project till then although the engine is coming out in a month or so.

edit: on the pictures the probes are fairly short, for TDC/BDC measurements do some come with extensions? What usually happens in the scenario is that I buy something just adequate for the task at hand then the next job requires a better bit of kit. I have recently promised myself not to just buy the cheapest tool only for the job facing me - perhaps in this case as I will eventually be fully rebuilding this engine I need to spend the wedge now for a good kit that can be used for various jobs.
(Engine is renault F7R)

I think you are trying to make things a bit too difficult, for a quick and simple comparison then some digital verniers will do the job. Accurately measure the base circle and max lift on the cams and compare...