I have this heavy duty engine stand. The guy I bought the motor lift from, threw it into the deal for the same price. Anyway, I tried bolting a block up to it. What I did was raise it up with the motor lift. Then I positioned it to where I could bolt it onto the stand. Tightened the bolts up. I then began to release pressure on the lift. The more it went down, it kept feeling like the bolts weren't going to hold. It wanted to keep moving down even with the bolts in. I just removed all the bolts and left it as it was. I didn't want to crack/break my block. Anybody else had this problem? Or am I using the wrong bolts or what? It seemed like the block was going to break and just fall.
As long as the bolts are the correct size(7/16") and have at least 3/8" threaded into the block, there should be no issue... I currently have two on stands out in the garage using main bearing cap bolts from a junk 5.0... For one stand the bolts are almost too long had to add a washer to each one, while on the other, if they'd been any shorter I'd have needed longer bolts...
Hmm, okay. I just didn't want to chance damaging my block. I had a lot more than 3/8" threaded into the block. It just kept wanting to give and go down. Maybe I'm not used to it. I guess there is an initial drop/give to it when the pressure is released?
So is the engine stand a 4 wheel or 3 wheel and did you just have the bare block hanging on it..............I always use Grade 8 7/16" bolts and I usually have to use washers because they are too long. Yes, they do droop a little but I've had over 850lbs on mine........a BBF with Blower...............and it drooped enough that I welded a support going from the base to the up right.
I may just go ahead and buy these. That way I know they'll hold up. Anyone used these before? http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-g1012/overview/
Haven't used Grade 8 from Summit, but usually go down to my local Ace Hardware and buy Grade 8 or maybe Orchards Hardware. For me, if I order from Summit before 3:00pm I will get it the next day if it comes out of AZ.
Oh, I haven't used a three wheel for over 20 years................and yes, they do flex much more than a 4 wheel.
Hmm, I may have to fashion something to better support the front end. Or even buy myself a 4 wheeled one. I just hate to bust up a fresh 347'd block from the shop. I also hate working on the block while it's on a crate or tire. Thanks for all the helpful advice everyone.
Your local hardware store should carry the grade 8 hardware you need to save on the shipping. A 3 wheel stand should be ok for a small block, but be careful if you plan to roll it around as they like to tip!
to me a 3 wheel motor stand is dangerous...I would use one to store a block on but not to build an engine on...they do not like to be rolled around with weight on them...JMO
I feel like an idiot now, lol. It IS a 4 wheeled one. I went out to the shed and took another look. I'm definitely going to get some grade 8 bolts this weekend though. My block should be done from the machine shop next week.
