My mustang's starting to get of age...TUNING age, that is. I'm just now starting to work on it. What are some good tools to get? Should i get some wrenches, screwdrivers etc? I am mostly doing some bolt on stuff and maintenance. I will be installing small components like intake, sequential lights etc..

Should i get metric or standard?

Thanks!
-Jun-

 

Do you own any tools?

 

Not currently, i moved into the city 2 yrs ago and have been mooching off of people since.

 

Get a GOOD torque wrench, a nice set of sockets (metric and SAE, Mustangs use both for some reason), a nice ratchet that can bend and swivel for those hard to reach bolts, and a set of pliers (needle nose, wire, plumbers, etc).

The torque wrench I guess only applies if you're doing work on metal-to-metal connections like spark plugs, head work, intake, etc. You really should have one, but most jobs can be done without one as long as you don't go overboard. I recommend SK torque wrenches. You'll want one that can go from about 10 ft/lbs to 100 ft/lbs. Pretty much everything on your car will fall in this range.

For socket sets, get something with a lifetime warranty. I buy Craftsman sets, because you can get them all day on eBay for like $15 shipped, and if they ever break for any reason, you can take them to any Sears and they will replace it for free. No receipt, doesn't matter if they're 30 years old. If it's broken, you get a new one. I believe Kobalt (Lowes) and whatever Home Depot's house brand is has the same warranty, but I'm not 100% on that.

Make sure you get deep-well sockets in addition to the normal ones, as well as socket extensions. On cars, you use those all the time.

For things like pliers, I usually just shop at Harbor Freight. I know they're garbage, but all I need them to do is pinch stuff. I don't use them too often, but when I need them, I REALLY need them.

Then, just pick up screwdrivers, maybe some open-ended wrenches, and you'll be good to go! I did my entire supercharger install using just a ratchet, torque wrench, cheapo pliers and a screwdriver.

 

Hey, thanks a lot Air, i'm going to be heading to sears to pick this stuff up asap.

 

There are tons of tools I use to work on newer cars.

Below are the BASICS that I would suggest:
-screwdrivers (usually 3 sizes of philips and flat blades)
-3/8" ratchet
-3/8" metric sockets (8mm and up)
-3/8" torx sockets
-spark plug socket
-metric wrenches (8mm - 21mm)
-1/2" ratchet
-1/2" metric DEEP sockets (13mm and up) (deep sockets for lug nuts; impacts are an option for use later with an impact gun)
-1/2" torque wrench (click type)
-large channel locks
-small square pliers
-small needle nose pliers
-rubber mallet
-hammer
-gasket scraper
-multimeter (voltmeter, ammeter, ohmmeter, continuity tester)

 

Get one of those starter kits by craftsman, they have a lot of the basic tools, mine was like $115 or so.

Some tools I need:

-torque wrench
-hammer
-one of those a/c / fuel lines disconnect tools
-small screwdrivers(short)

Make sure you get some jackstands and a floor jack.

Ive also got a big oil pan I try to use.

 

btw, I love that color!

 

If you need to ask what kind of tools you will need to work on your car you don't need to be working on your car.

If you decide to anyway, craftsman tool sets are the absolute best.

 

That's not an appropriate statement. He is just starting to work on his car- we all did at some point.

Best for the money- yes.