A few years ago, we did a pit tools guide that included the 10 essential tools every pit area should have. Back then, OnAllCylinders was still operating on just one or two cylinders as we struggled to launch our brand new website. Chances are you haven’t seen that original post, so we invite you to check it out here.
As race season gets going in Pomona this weekend, we figured it was a good time to revisit the pit tools idea again. This time we’re looking at 10 additional tools that can help take your race day tuning to the next level. We’re not talking high-dollar John Force level by any means. These are reasonably priced items that, when used with the basics from our first post, can make a difference.
Generac GP Series Portable Generator
Given the choice between power and no power…we’ll take power. That’s especially true if we’re toting a power impact wrench or other power tools to the track. This Generac GP Series portable generator offers 1,800 watts of power in a reasonably priced package.
Schumacher Electric SpeedCharge Battery Charger
Make sure your battery is charged and ready to go. Just wheel one of these Schumacher Electric SpeedCharge chargers to the track and never have to worry about a dead or weak battery ruining your fun.
LaCrosse Technology Weather Station
We all know humidity, wind, temperature, and barometric pressure can all affect performance—or the consistency of your performance. This LaCrosse Technology weather station allows you to harness important weather information and use it to your advantage over your competition.
Summit Racing AN Wrenches
It’s best to make sure all your fluid connections are snug and secure before making a pass, so we’d recommend a good set of AN wrenches. They’ll ensure your hose ends and connections are nice and tight without damaging them.
LSM Valve Lash Wrenches
If you want to prevent your hard-running engine from experiencing costly damage, it’s smart to check valve lash at least once at every weekend spent at the track. This will help ensure your lifters and rocker arms are working properly and pre-emptively stop them from wreaking havoc with your engine. This LSM valve lash adjusting wrench is designed to apply proper torque to the adjuster nuts every time, making the process of valve lash checks and adjustments easier.
Moroso Cam Degree Wheel
Moroso’s cam degree wheel is designed to be used with the engine in the vehicle, so you can check things like centerline, top dead center, bottom dead center, and other aspects of cam timing right at the track.
Trouble Light
It’s hard to make adjustments when you can’t see what you’re doing. That’s the case for bringing a trouble light along with you to the track–at least the only case that matters.
Carb Jet Tools
Weather conditions–the ones you should be monitoring with the weather station above–can affect performance in a big way. Weather changes may require you to make adjustments to carburetor jetting, so it’s nice to have a carb jet tool handy in the pits.
Spark Plug Gap Tool
Accomplished sportsman racers tout the importance of maintaining consistent gaps on the spark plugs. Without that consistency, each cylinder can operate at a different temperature, causing tuning issues. Having a reliable spark plug gapping tool will make a tedious job easier and quicker.
MSD Inductive Timing Light
Timing is everything in racing. And depending on weather conditions, you may also need to make timing adjustments at the track. That’s why it’s good idea to have an accurate timing light at the ready. We can’t think of a more proven, reliable name than MSD when it comes to ignitions.
I find in watching pro stock that valve spring psi is also very important. I asked Roy Jonhson & was rec. Buxton engineering,inc a bit pricey but the best is most of the time the best choice.
Thank You
Ed Nelson