What Tools Are Needed For An Engine Swap?

Are you thinking about swapping a new engine into your vehicle? Or are you just about ready to start the job? Either way, you may be wondering which tools you will need to get the job done.

We put together a general list of tools you’ll need. Keep in mind that each engine/vehicle combination may require some specific tools. Yet, our list of tools is a great place to start. It will give you an idea of what the project entails. It will also help you gather together the most important tools before starting the project. Chances are you won’t need any more tools than what’s listed here.

1. Floor Jack And Jack Stands

When doing an engine swap, you’re going to be spending some time underneath the vehicle. That’s why you need your vehicle up on jack stands. Be sure to jack up your vehicle properly and use quality jack stands.

2. Engine Hoist

You can’t do an engine swap without an engine hoist. Also called an engine crane, an engine hoist is a small rolling floor hoist that lifts and lowers engines. You would also need a chain to hold the engine. Some floor hoists come with a chain, and some don’t.

You can borrow or rent an engine hoist instead of dropping a few hundred on one. Some auto parts shops will let you borrow an engine hoist for free if you leave a deposit.

To keep things as simple as possible:

1. Borrow an engine crane when you’re ready to pull the engine, and then return it after you do that.
2. Borrow an engine crane again when you’re ready to install the new engine.

3. Ratchet, Extension, And Socket Set

Swapping an engine involves unfastening and fastening many different bolts. You need a complete set of ratchets, extensions, and sockets. You want a set that has:

• Either metric and standard sockets, whichever matches your vehicle. Some older vehicles may use both.
• Six point sockets, as they can grip the sides of the nut better than twelve point sockets
• A battery powered or air driven impact wrench will make some nuts come off much faster.

4. Screwdrivers

You’ll likely encounter a few screws while taking apart the engine (and later installing the new engine). It’s useful to have a couple different size Phillips and slotted screwdrivers on hand.

5. Breaker Bar

A breaker bar is a long non-ratcheting bar that’s compatible with socket wrench-style sockets. It comes in quite useful when you have very tight fasteners. Because it is is longer than a typical ratchet wrench, a breaker bar allows you to create more torque with the same amount of force.

6. Hammer And Punch Or Air Hammer

You’ll likely encounter stubborn bolts. A hammer and punch (or an air hammer) will help knock these bolts loose. You should also have some penetrating lubricant on hand to make things easier.

7. A Variety Of Pliers

What you need will vary from engine to engine, but it’s a good idea to have on hand:

• Bent needle nose pliers to remove all the hose clamps.
• C-clip pliers
• Groove joint pliers (also known as tongue and groove or multi-groove pliers.)

8. Air Compressor

If you have air tools, you need an air compressor. Even if you don’t have any air tools, an air compressor is still quite useful. It will clear dirt out of holes, nooks, and crannies.

9. Catch Pans

You’ll need catch pans for both coolant and oil. You may also need one for transmission coolant.

 Trust The Pros At Powertrain Products

If you’re ready to purchase a replacement engine and need a little guidance on your purchase, the pros at Powertrain Products can help. Our remanufactured engines are available with the best warranty in the market, and we fix the known factory defects that plague many stock engines. Contact us or order online today.