Transporting short block -small block

[Steve L.]

Would I have any problems putting this in the back of my Trailblazer for transporting from the engine builder. This would be a short distance within the city. I would put a plywood sheet on the floor to equalize any pressure points.

[Gary B.]

Re: Transporting short block -small block

Would I have any problems putting this in the back of my Trailblazer for transporting from the engine builder. This would be a short distance within the city. I would put a plywood sheet on the floor to equalize any pressure points.

Build a 2x6 box so it fits around the oil pan. It will protect the pan and hold it stable.

[Terry M.]

Re: Transporting short block -small block

It might take two of you to lift it in and out. There is one thing to be cautious about with the plywood -- it is slippery. If you hit the hooks the cylinder case might want to keep going. Block it well with something heavy that won't move or figure out how to tie it off to something.

[Terry D.]

Re: Transporting short block -small block

Steve
No problem, I just took a complete engine from Ohio to North Carolina in the back of my Tahoe. If you don't have one already get yourself an engine stand. I put 4x4's under the stand to get the casters off the plywood and then (took out the third row seats) strapped it down to the third row seat brackets. Never moved in 460 miles. E-mail me if you have any other questions.
Terry

[Steve L.]

Re: Transporting short block -small block

Thanks for the quote response.
You reminded me that I have one of those engine test stands that I picked up in Carlisle yrs ago that is still in the box.

I'll look to see what parts of that, that I can use.

I was more worried about the weight in the floor at back end of the Trailblazer.

[Terry D.]

Re: Transporting short block -small block

Steve
Weight will not be a problem with a Chevy short block. You'll want to slid it up against the back of the second row seats rather than up against the tailgate. If you don't put the casters on you don't need the 4x4's. Depends on how you are going to get it in and out of the Trailblazer. We rolled it up and down a ramp made of two 2x12's. A cherry picker works well also.
Terry

[Terry M.]

Re: Transporting short block -small block

Thanks for the quote response.
You reminded me that I have one of those engine test stands that I picked up in Carlisle yrs ago that is still in the box.

I'll look to see what parts of that, that I can use.

I was more worried about the weight in the floor at back end of the Trailblazer.

[Mike T.]

Re: Transporting short block -small block

You may think I'm crazy, but the best thing that I have found is an unmounted tire. It's friendly to oil pans and exhaust manifolds, and it provides good stability. I've done it this way countless times never had a problem.

[Mike M.]

Re: Transporting short block -small block

a hundred hp john deere and an old 20" tire works for me. mike

[Edward M.]

Re: Transporting short block -small block

Steve
No problem, I just took a complete engine from Ohio to North Carolina in the back of my Tahoe. If you don't have one already get yourself an engine stand. I put 4x4's under the stand to get the casters off the plywood and then (took out the third row seats) strapped it down to the third row seat brackets. Never moved in 460 miles. E-mail me if you have any other questions.
Terry

Terrry;

I think you are talking about an engine dolly. An engine stand is one of those things that you bolt an engine to when assembling / disassembling the engine. It "stands" (pun intended) about 3 feet off of the ground.

An engine dolly sits close to the ground, and is used for holding engines upright / moving them around.

First pic is an engine stand, second pic is an engine dolly.

Engine dollys work great for moving / storing engines.

[Paul D.]

Re: Transporting short block -small block

Edward, just curious as to where you obtained the photos of the engine stand and dolly. Manufacturer or supplier info would be greatly appreciated. Chip.

[Edward M.]

Re: Transporting short block -small block

Edward, just curious as to where you obtained the photos of the engine stand and dolly. Manufacturer or supplier info would be greatly appreciated. Chip.

I just googled engine stand, then engine dolly. Those things are sold all over the place. Harbor Freight, Ebay, Sears, auto parts stores, etc.

[Steven B.]

Re: Transporting short block -small block

Steve, the last time I hauled a complete engine (283) was from Atlanta to Fort Worth in our Suburban. The engine was mounted on a dolly, less the wheels, lifted from a fork lift by four of us onto 5/8" plywood into the back of the Suburban. I also put a movers pad under the plywood. I used six HD adjustable straps (ratchet type) and secured to the cargo rings on the floor then put two movers pads over the engine.

The shop owner emphasized to me that it must be tied down and tied down securely as another customer had not tied his down, was in an accident and killed by the hurtling small block.

When I got home I used the lift on a friend's Mac Tools truck to get the engine out of the Suburban, then onto a wagon pulled by my graden tractor and into the garage. It was a bit harder getting it into our bedroom---my side of the bed, of course.

I have transported short blocks the same, and once even in the trunk of a Corvette. I wouldn't advise that.

Steve

[Terry M.]

Re: Transporting short block -small block

I was once the middle man in the exchange of $$$ for two aluminum cylinder cases. I can't recall if they were large or small motors, but one man lifted the aluminum cylinder case out of the trunk of the car. Someone who posts regularity on this board was the supplier of these pieces, so he may offer more details, but moving them and securing them seemed not to be an issue.

[Steve L.]

Re: Transporting short block -small block

Thanks all,
Yes, I meant engine dolly.

I'll follow Steven B's suggestions using a dolly without wheels.
I'll have engine hoists on both ends of the trip.

Steve L.