Engine Stand - Want to Get the Right One

[JohnHappy]

I want to pull my Mercruiser 7.4 Litre, 454 big block (Bravo One) while I work on the deck and stringers over the winter.

Will either the 1 ton or 2 ton engine stand I can get from Harbor Freight work for me?. I've never used an engine stand before. Any tips for me?

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: Engine Stand - Want to Get the Right One

As a full dress big block is pushing 1,000lbs, I would get the 2 ton model, and use grade 8 bolts to attach the engine to it with.

 

[JustJason]

Re: Engine Stand - Want to Get the Right One

Something like this...
http://www.amazon.com/Unknown-2000-...r_1_7?s=gateway&ie=UTF8&qid=1285255473&sr=8-7

Def get a 2 ton for a big block. I have a 3/4 ton model, and although I've never had a 454 on it, i've had GM V8 blocks (Different and heavier than Chevy V8 blocks, think Olds Rocket 350's) on my 3/4 ton, and it gets a little bouncy.

+1 on grade 8 bolts, infact if you use anything else, the bolts will likely just snap and the block will drop.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Engine Stand - Want to Get the Right One

not that i've pulled a lot of engines (a few though), but to me, bigger is always better. better to be way over rated, than to be real close to under rated...

fwiw. i have a borrowed, likely a harbor freight stand. probably the least duty rated. i put my L6 on that and it's a little to bouncy for me too. makes me wonder (wonder if it's gonna break off the stand from too much weight way fwd from the length of the L6) anyways...

a second for grade 8 bolts to bolt it to the stand. back to better safe than sorry.

 

[coheej]

Re: Engine Stand - Want to Get the Right One

I looked at the Harbor Freight website. All I saw was a 750 lbs, 1000lbs, & 2000lbs stand. I have 8 engine stands (not Harbor Freight) and they all are 1000 lbs rated and look like the 1000 lbs Harbor freight stand. I've had many Big Blocks on them and have not had one break. I had one like the 2000 lbs design, but got rid of it because it is very cumbersome to work around the legs of it. It would be fine for storing an engine, but not for working on it.

 

[metalwizard]

Re: Engine Stand - Want to Get the Right One

LEt me speak from personal advice. I don't care if the Harbor freight one says 2 tons. it's NOT It would be lucky to hold 1 ton.

I have a 454 I was working on. went to harbor and bought the 2 ton. put the 454 on it, and it bent like a twig.

STAY THE HECK AWAY FROM IT. go to sears spend the money buy a real stand..

 

[Alpheus]

Re: Engine Stand - Want to Get the Right One

I bought this one when it was on sale at Northern for 79 bucks. I have had a fully dressed big block on it (risers and all) and it worked perfect...

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200313359_200313359

 

[DBreskin]

Re: Engine Stand - Want to Get the Right One

If you're just storing the engine and don't need to move it or do significant work on it, you can save some cash by avoiding an engine stand altogether and instead set the engine on wood blocks.

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: Engine Stand - Want to Get the Right One

LEt me speak from personal advice. I don't care if the Harbor freight one says 2 tons. it's NOT It would be lucky to hold 1 ton.

I have a 454 I was working on. went to harbor and bought the 2 ton. put the 454 on it, and it bent like a twig.

STAY THE HECK AWAY FROM IT. go to sears spend the money buy a real stand..

Roger that!!!

 

[CN Spots]

Re: Engine Stand - Want to Get the Right One

Here's a BB Ford hanging on an el-cheapo Harbor Freight stand. They'll handle it but yes, they're top heavy and they bounce. Note the patented anti-bounce device. If I were buying one new I'd spring for the best one that I could afford and it would definitely be collapsible.

 

[JohnHappy]

Re: Engine Stand - Want to Get the Right One

Thanks for all the replies ...

My circumstances require that I be able to move it around a bit during the winter months. I also want something that will allow me to work on it with as much ease as possible when that time comes so, I'm checking into Alpheus' suggested Torin Folding Engine Stand ? 1500-Lb. Capacity, Model# T26801 presently sold at Northern Tool, online, for $119.99 plus shipping.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Engine Stand - Want to Get the Right One

Here's a 2000# fold-able engine stand from Harbor Freight, $109. Dig up one of their 20% off coupons and it's less than $90.

http://www.harborfreight.com/2000-lb-foldable-engine-stand-67015.html