El Cheapo Engine Stands

[Christopher R.]

Took the board's advice on the engine hoist. Now I need to buy an inexpensive engine stand in order to:

1. Move the short block from the machine shop to my cellar. We'll support it in transit. The stand won't be overstressed. The stand is for convenience. Just to help move it around.

2. Work on the block after I get it home. Install some components. Get it ready to install in the car.

3. Store the old engine that's coming out of the car.

Same question as before. There's lots of cheap Chinese stuff in the marketplace. Are any better than the others? Any body know anything about the ones Advance Auto Parts sells?

http://www.partsamerica.com/productdetail.aspx?MfrCode=PNE&MfrPartNumber=280032&CategoryCode=3396

Why do I care about 750 lb, 1000 lb, and 1250 lb capacities when the finished block weighs much less?

I was going to get the Motofeet ones. But now I think a stand is better because of the assembly work I need to do.

(I'm reluctant to buy cheap tools. But maybe I'm just old-fashioned. For one shot jobs such as this one, maybe cheap is more appropriate.)

[Mark S. Lovejoy]

Re: El Cheapo Engine Stands

This is as cheap as you can get.

[Stephen L.]

Re: El Cheapo Engine Stands

If you are just storing the engine then get/make a stand such as that pictured in the other post.

If you plan on working on the engine while on the stand a rotating one is great. If you are working on a big block then get at least a 1000# unit. The cost to a 1250# unit is probably only a few bucks more. I purchased a rather heavy duty stand which works great for a small block but my big block makes it work a lot harder. I would definitely not buy a 750# unit.

Also think about storage... get one that breaks down when not in use.. they take up room when standing in the corner.

[DON IZZO]

Re: El Cheapo Engine Stands

If you are planning on buying a rotating engine stand, do yourself a big favor and make sure it has two wheel on the front and rear bottom support legs. I bought a cheap one years ago with only one wheel on the front When I pulled the 6 cyl. out of my Belair. I nearly flipped it over when I tried to roll it with the engine secured to the stand. I have since modified it to make it more stable.

Don

[Chuck R.]

Re: El Cheapo Engine Stands

Almost lost my foot when the welds failed on my Harbor Freight cheapy "big block" rated three wheel stand. The good news was the block landed on a corner and didn't hurt it. The bad news was it ruffed up my leg when it went down and JUST missed my foot!

Go with four wheels (perferably 4" or 5" rubberized), at least a 1,000lb capacity and easy to break down.

You say one time deal Chris, but if your going to hold onto it, then it's not money wasted. Especially when safety is involved. It seems that adults and especially kids just gravitate to these things.

I didn't plan on using mine more than once either. That was eight engines ago

I too would break it down and tuck it away wahen I was done with it unless room isn't an issue with you.

Chuck

[Brad K.]

Re: El Cheapo Engine Stands

I cannot say it loud enough and it's already been said.....DO NOT buy one with only 3 wheels! When you try to roll it along the floor and it encounters ever-so-much as a tiny bolt or any bit of debris, it will tip over so fast it will make you cry....Don't ask me how I know....I'm trying to this day to forget!

[Mike McKown]

Moto Feet

I have maybe a dozen engine stands similar to the Moto Feet. It picks up the side motor mounts and two bellhousing bolts on each side in the rear. Pretty stout when you get an engine bolted on it. Four metal swivel casters. Knocks down for storage. I took one of them and added a couple pieces of tubing and made an engine stand that held a running engine.

I don't know the name. I did a quick google and didn't find it but you can buy them from a tool vendor at about any show you go to. I think they list(?) for $39.95. I paid anywhere from $20-$27.50 for them depending on who I bought from.

You should have one of these in addtion to a rotating engine stand. They're awkward and not safe to transport and engine on. The four caster stands work great for transport or storage.

[Mike McKown]

I pull my three wheeler from the rear

or put another way, the TWO wheels are the lead wheels. Also, I don't grab it up high to pull on it. Down low. Four wheelers are a pain to work around. Big casters help this problem too.

[Frank C.]

Re: I pull my three wheeler from the rear

I move mine (3 wheel) around the same way Mike states and if I'm going to store an engine on it for any long length of time, I put a support between the harmonic balancer and the front leg of it,even if it only a SB

[Terry D.]

Ya Usually Get What You Pay For! *NM*

[Chuck R.]

Re: FYI Chris

I just got a Northern Tool & Equipment's "Automotive" cataloge that's listing a 1250lb four wheel engine stand for $69.99 they also have the 1500lb stand with a fifth center caster for $89.99

Plus freight I'll assume.

For what it's worth

Chuck

[Chris Patrick]

Re: I pull my three wheeler from the rear

I've had a three wheeled stand since around '78 or so? A friend left it with me for good after he had it from high school. I think it may have been one either he built in high school or bought while in auto shop class. Casters are smaller than I like, and will flatten some if left with a big block for too long, but it has carried a couple of dozen engines on it. I've even had engines on it, put them in a trailer, and moved them.

Like Mike said, you use the two wheels as the lead, not the single wheel. They will tip that way, BUT like an old Statics & Dynamics problem on tipping the can, once you lift one wheel, it is harder than you think, if you are paying attention at all.

[Christopher R.]

Re: FYI Chris

I love that store. We don't have them in Massachusetts. But I regularly visit the one in Richmond, Virginia. Now if I could only lug these things home on the airplane.

Freight for the 1500lb one to my house is $48.

Thanks for the heads up.