Hello all,
Not much of a poster but lurk the forums everyday. I was planning on getting a CAI/Tune in the near future. I am an amateur in terms of working on vehicles, and have limited tools. What are some of the basic tools I would need to install a CAI? If anyone can point me to a decent tool set that is affordable and would be good to have at home, it would be much appreciated. Thanks.

 

If I recall correctly, the only tools I needed was a flat head screwdriver and an allen wrench. Pretty easy install. I have a tool set that I got at Lowes for $20 that includes allen wrenches, socket wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers etc which is very useful

 

I got a 30 piece Craftsman set from Sears on sale for under $40 a few years back. It's what I call my "Road Fix" kit.

It does enough to help me limp home if needed. Then I have my monster toolkit for engine teardowns and suspension work.


you don't need anything fancy. the 30 piece comes with a phillips/flathead screwdriver, 2 wrenches that are double sided with 4 of the most common sizes (1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16) and has a pretty decent metric/SAE socket set.

something along those lines will satisfy most of your needs quite well

 

To install a CAI, you need a flathead screwdriver, a phillips screwdriver, a 10 mm socket with extension, and a torx bit which I think is a T-30. I use this craftsman tool kit and it has pretty much everything you need to install parts on your stang. http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...7204000P?mv=rr Its on sale now, and definitely worth the $125 in my opinion.

EDIT: That kit actually doesn't have the torx bits, but you can get a cheap torx driver set from lowes or harbor freight.

 

The T-30 torx bit was included when I got my C&L street CAI from Bamachips "back in the day". If I remember correctly you can also use a 1/4" socket as a "driver" (ie: the non-torx end of the bit fits a 1/4" socket). That said, having a set of Torx bits is handy

If you install the additional brace, which uses one of the valve cover bolts, then I would recommend a torque wrench. Actually either way, a torque wrench should be on the list of stuff to pick up.

 

Getting a set at Sears would be good for this and future needs, and if all else fails you can always fall back to a mechanics best friend

 

Sears is the best value for tools.
Snap-On if you fart 100 dollar bills...
Get a screwdriver set, a decent ratchet set (metric),
pliers and such and work up from there.
Buy em as you need them and they will soon
need a nice tool box to live in.

 

Thank you for the responses guys, much appreciated.