Motor 2001 top 20 tools: The best of the best

Tracing noise-vibration-harshness problems on a vehicle isn't just difficult; it's usually time-consuming guesswork. You can tighten fasteners, realign parts, install mastic, try to balance propshafts, replace mounting the possibilities are endless no matter how carefully you road-test the car. So high-tech shops that see customers for NVH problems need something to help them find the answers.

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Vetronix' new MTS 4100 NVH Analyzer can put shops that feature high-tech driveability or high-tech body/alignment into high-tech NVH diagnosis. The tool comes with two accelerometers for vibration detection and two microphones for noise pickup, a photo-tach to measure the rotational speed of any part and a timing light for pinpointing a vibration source. There's even a procedure for using the 4100 to balance a propshaft, with precise positioning of balance weights (which has got to beat the ol' cut-and-try with worm-drive clamps routine).

The 4100 has a frequency update rate of a half-second, and on a road test can save up to 100 problem periods (up to 30 seconds each). The analyzer also can chart different types of information alongside each other, to narrow down the cause. And there's a diagnostic help function to indicate the most likely reasons.

Because the 4100 is based on the architecture of Vetron-- ix' MTS 5100 engine analyzer, it's not surprising it can receive and integrate powertrain information to help with diagnosis. We realize the 4100 isn't for every shop. But if you're striving to put your establishment on the cutting edge of high-tech repair, this baby is just the thing to do it!

CAM-LOK DOHC Holding Tool by Lom Industries

Have you ever done a t-belt job on a twin-cam engine? If you have, you know that the high valve spring tensions on today's DOHC setups usually cause the sprocket timing marks to go out of alignment before the belt is installed. Some guys try to hold things in check with a block of wood wedged between the sprockets. Others jury-rig the job with wrenches and a couple of bungee cords (we're not kidding!). Still others rely on a buddy in the next bay to hold the sprockets steady while the belt is being installed. Any way you look at it, a t-belt job on a modern twin-cam has always been a major hassle-until now!

Let us introduce CAM-LOK, a patented holding tool that makes timing belt replacements on DOHC engines a snap. Just set the marks up accordingly, then slide the four pins of the tool inward until they engage the sprocket teeth. You're now ready to install the belt without ever having to worry about the marks drifting out of alignment.

We should point out that CAM-LOK has other uses besides t-belt replacement. Need to replace a head gasket? Just line up the sprockets, install the tool, then yank the head. Once the new gasket is positioned, reinstall the head with confidence, knowing that the marks will be right where you left them. How about swapping in a fresh set of cam seals? No problem. CAM-LOK is made of aircraft-- quality aluminum, so the pins easily handle the torque from the breaker bar or ratchet needed to remove the sprocket bolts. There's no other cam holding tool on the market that we're aware of that can make that claim!