List of Tools in the Engine Tool Tray

tools

This is kind of universal for top alcohol cars:

2 spark plug wrenches
2 valve cover wrenches
hot/cold lash feeler guages
one complete set of feeler guages
scribe/pick
small magnet
a couple of razors or hobby knife
need to have a complete set of end wrenches for both sides of the car. I like to put colored tape on each side so they find their home.
Need to have at least a set of sockets 1/4,3/8 and 1/2 drive mounted somewhere. Most common used are 7/16, 1/2, and 11/16 on a brad combo.
Need a set of AN wrenches somewhere.
Set of Allen T handles.
At least one torque extension (crows foot some call it) for doing inside head bolts.
Small and large crescent wrench.
Small and large channel locks
Needle nose pliers
regular and needle nose vice grips.
Need to have some catch trays to store valve cover nuts, dzus fastners, etc. Also handy to put nuts and bolts in during engine tear down.
Have a place for whatever lubricants you use on valvetrain, etc. Neverseize, locktite, etc.
Not to mention holes for plugs, which also work for screw drivers.

For what it's worth, Pit Pal's tray is a great starting point for a tool tray, and it's not that badly priced.

It works great to get a pack of colored electrical tape and color code where the tools are supposed to go. One color is bottom end, another for clutch, then two or three colors for the tool tray so they go back where they are supposed to go. If the tool doesn't have tape, it should have a home in a tool box drawer.

A big tool tray can be handy, but if not careful, it can easily become an unorganized catch-all.

 

allen sockets/wrenches

Let me add this. You can get by with cheap wrenches and sockets on most everything, but spend the money on a set of snap on allen sockets, and maybe t-handles. you need a good set of allen sockets. Cheap ones will round a tight allen bolt off in a minute.