Tools of the Trade: Mechanic Insight Wanted

[Bonkers]

Okay all Jes brought up a very interesting topic for me and I figure I'll ask the group. Lets see... I've posted 1100 time so far and in at least 1025 of them I mentioned that I will be in the market for a wrecked Viper come fall. I realize that I'd be looking into serious body work, but it never occurred to me that an engine rebuild might be necessary.

Now had Jes unfortunate incident occurred in November I might have been he one bidding on his car. Even so there still is a good chance I'll come into contact with a bad motor anyhow. So other than my trusty Stanley Ratchet Set, A torque Wrench, and a Engine Block Crane, is there any specialized equipment needed for rebuilding a block? I'm not looking to do any machining in house, just basic maintenance type stuff. Is there any practical advice (in purchase of tools equipment) not common with regular cars.

Also an Arrow rebuild was mentioned in the other post. Would it be cheaper/more efficient to just send them the block and let the specialists work their magic as opposed to an untrained, unskilled idiot (read: me) spending a fortune on a bunch of one-time use tools?

Now like I said many times I plan on keeping this car forever and see real benefit of rebuilding (and learning) the car I have. My lack of knowledge in all things mechanical has lead it more than its fair share of headaches in the past and I'm really trying hard to get out of that deficiency. My logic is that if I rebuild car and motor then there will be little the I couldn't fix twenty years from now when ViperTechs are hard(er) pressed to come by.

Any comments are welcome...

 

[tradin1]

pulley puller
harmonic balancer puller
power steering pump pulley puller
ring compressor
engine stand and hoist
all of which can be rented from your local auto parts store for a refundable deposit, i.e. Autozone.

Should be as straight forward as any other motor, as long as you get the shop manual, and follow ALL the torque specs. The only trick or secret is patience, and check everything twice. It ***** to have the motor back in the car and wonder in the head bolts, or rod bolts are torqued to spec.

I say go for it!

 

[MadMaxx]

No bonkers... it's MINE! MWHAHAHA!!! Looking for an excuse for a stroker motor anyway

For me.. motor work is second nature. I've got just about any tool i'd ever need to do another motor.. and this a mopar, so it's strait forward.

Trying to see if he wants a running RT out of the deal

MM

 

[Tiepilot]

You go Maxx!!

 

[Bonkers]

Wow MM hit me twice below the belt in the same day? Thats cruel man real cruel....

 

[Ulysses]

Breaker Bar or some good impact tools and a compressor.

 

[1TONY1]

Don't forget the BFH, any good mechanic uses one!!
big ####### hammer

 

[Bonkers]

BFH, duct tape, torx set, WD40, (or basically everything you need to fix an old jeep) - check. I really love the idea that everything in my jeep coolection will work on a Viper...

MM - (1) you trading the RT & (2) you buying the GTS...can't wait to see what the hat trick will be

 

[MadMaxx]

I still have the RT, and i'm not buying this coupe... more issues than just motor.

MM

 

[MadMaxx]

Wait.. what was the first?

MM

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

Torx bits.

Metric and Standard tools

 

[MadMaxx]

I wasn't expecting you to 'give it away', but you are out of your friggin mind if you feel your car is worth 42+. Sorry, motor issues MAYBE, but having a salvage tittle, and a damaged motor?

You never said who did the repair work on the car either.

Salvage cars are good for one thing, and thats tube chasis and track only.

MM

 

[joe117]

Bonkers, If you really have an almost total lack of knowledge concerning things mechanical, I would advise you to find a good mechanic to work on your Viper, when you get it. I don't mean this as any flame it's just what I think. I don't see the V10 as being very complex but it is somewhat an odd ball. In rebuilding any engine there are so many small things that need to be done right and so many ways to make a mistake that I just wouldn't start with a Viper. If you were rebuilding a Chevy small block you would be able to find all sorts of helpful, well illustrated "how to" books and even videos to lead you through the job. I don't know for sure but I would guess that there are no helpers like that for the Viper. The other thing is the cost of the mistakes that you might make while learning. Parts for the Viper are quite a bit more expensive than those of more common engines. If I were an inexperienced mechanic contemplating my first engine rebuild, I wouldn't use a Viper as my classroom.
I know you are looking to buy a ****** or a lightly wrecked Viper to fix and keep. I would look for someone through word of mouth who works on cars part time in his own garage. It would have to be someone who knows what they are about and yet not a professional. A deal might be made where you could "help" him as he does the work you are paying him to do on your project Viper. That way you could learn while having a hand in getting your Viper fixed up the way you want it. It would be nice to find a deal like that. Good luck with your search for a car.