Engine Stand Selection

[ForcedFirebird]

I have 3 or 4 HF units, all 3 wheels. I have had a fully dressed 5.0 H.O on it, and it was a little tipsy, but have had countless 660's on them with no problems. Right now I have a 3.4 iron head with all the tubular subframe and 12" Vette brakes attached (wide) and the only time it got tipsy was when I had to lift it over the 1" bump at my garage door (put a nice green bruise on my forearm where the head studs nailed me keeping it upright).

[pocket-rocket]

Honestly, the only complaint I have with my HF stand isn't that it's tipsy (I haven't had much problem with that) is that when you rotate the engine a lot for something like installing pistons, the rotisserie part tends to walk back towards the handle, making it impossible to put the locking pin in. It got old having to grab the front end of the block, standing on the bottom beam of the stand with the 1 tire and lifting the block while pulling towards me till I heard the pin drop. Then again, I didn't like how it rotated, so I put a light layer of grease on the snout that goes in the stand itself (where the handle and pin goes). Other then those very small complaints, I have none with it.

[PCGUY112887]

Just be careful what stand you buy... I don't know what the differences are but I borrowed an ancient engine stand one time to put my 3500 on and it must have only been designed for old V8's but I couldn't even adjust the arms in any way for it to consider bolting to my motor!

[kflo 93 gt]

I've got one about like that, but it is ACDelco branded. It held my 3400 for like a year or more. I rotated it 360 multiple times, but I will say 1 thing, having a friend helps. I'm not trying to catch a stand and an engine.

[Superdave]

I've got a 3 wheeled HF one, never had a problem with any '660 on it.. other than a wheel clip falling off once or twice.


I've also got a home made one that's way too beefy, it gets used for trannies usually but the guy that built it said that he's had a few BBC's on it with no problems.

[pocket-rocket]

I never had a wheel clip fall off, but I did forget to mention they gave me an extra rear wheel (for a total of 4, 3 rear and 1 caster style) with mine, lol. I guess it's in case I get a flat?

[jmgtp]

I'm probably going to be buying a stand within the week.

I pick the engine up today and for now it will have to sit on the palette it is secured to.

I think I may go with the 4 legged foldable HF stand. It should more than enough for either of my 660s and steadily hold my 350. Folding up when not in use is also nice.

[pocket-rocket]

It only takes 1 bolt to take mine apart when it's not being used. Foldalbe legs (on a HF unit) might sacrifice strength, though.

[jmgtp]

Well, I dunno about that, the foldable ones are 4 leggers so they already have a stability advantage and they are also spreading the weight over 2 legs rather than one. My engine hoist is 4 ton that has foldable legs.... it uses 1" steel pins. But on a HF unit you may be right! I've had pretty good luck with stuff from HF so far but there is no denying it is made in China as cheap as possible, then again what isn't.

[jmgtp]

I got this one:



it was the right price @ $60 and is rated 1,000 lbs

[robertisaar]

score. for the price it sounds good.

[ForcedFirebird]

Same as thew ones I ahve, 'cept a single wheel in the front.

[jmgtp]

Is it typical for these things to come with bolts to mount the engine?

I imagine not since different engines are going to use different fasteners. Anyone know what I will need for a 660?

[Superdave]

you'll need some long 12mm x 1.75 pitch bolts to mount a '660

usually you can find them at the hardware store, get the strongest grade they have. Just measure the length of the tube on the mounting arm and add an inch or so to it. Washers and lock washers are a good idea as well.

[pocket-rocket]

I got mine at Lowe's (which is about a mile down the street ). Grade 8 baby!