RE: engine stand

[CarFreakGT]

I guess this could be a tech or talk thread. I figured I may get more input here, so mods feel free to move if you feel so inclined.

I'm going to yank the 302 out of my 68 coupe for a rebuild/upgrade. I'll be buying an engine stand, such as these:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=47304
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=32916
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=32915

Any tips or things to look for when purchasing? while using the stand to work on the engine? Things to avoid?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Rusty67]

That folding engine stand is kinda kewl, I've never seen that before. My main suguestion is to get an engine stand that one tip over. That cheap one isn't my idea of fun. You might also consider geting the engine stand that basically bolts to where the motor mounts go. It keeps the engine low to the ground and its fairly easy to move around. Its great for storage but not so much for working on the motor.

 

[daddy oth]

i'll take #2 have the same 1 it hold up my 351c just fine

 

[rbohm]

either of the first two work real nice. i have number 2 myself. cant beat it.

 

[fasttback]

Number 2.

I have number 2 and number 3 and 3 gets a little sketchy when moving around the garage and the front wheel gets stuck on something.

Number one looks cool, but I can see how those legs might get in the way when working close to the motor.

 

[HistoricMustang]

Just make sure it will hold as much as possible!

HistoricMustang

 

[180 Out]

I would avoid the trike one. When you flip your engine over to upside down, with iron heads anyway, it gets a little hard to control. I would expect the trike to tip over if you're not careful.

The standard four wheeler -- number 2 in your menu -- is available at Kragen's for $40. I got mine there. It's solid, good welds, doing the job with an iron 5.0 long block even as we speak.

One problem: the holes on the pivot that you use to lock the engine at a given angle don't match up. They match enough that you can use a 3/8ths inch bolt to lock it up, but you can't use the supplied plunger. Not a biggie, but you'd think they'd try to get the holes tto line up.

 

[CarFreakGT]

Thanks for the input everyone. I'm also going to look at PepBoys. I happen to have a gift certificate there, and I'll check to see if they have one that looks to be of decent quality. If not, Harbor Freight is not too much farther away.

 

[mustangman1974]

I would go with number 1. Similar to mine but not fold able. The more weight it can hold the more you can mock up and not worry about bending or breaking. Plus the heavier capacity engine stands usually come with larger wheels, which makes moving around easier.

 

[my70stang]

my dad has that third one...the one front-wheeled orange one, it almost tipped 0nce or twice during the torquing of the heads.

That folding engine stand is kinda kewl

def agree

 

[BullittStangV8]

I had the summit one. It worked fine.

 

[Max Power]

I have the foldable one, bit I got it from Northern tool for $89.00. Harbor will have a sale soon enough, so hold out for a sale price. Folding saves a lot of room if you plan on keeping it.

Avoid any 3 wheel engine stand like the plague. I am surprised they are even allowed to sell them. There is a good reason ATV 3 wheelers were outlawed years ago.