Engine stand modification for storing your motor.

[mtndewmaniac66]

I can hope that this will help anyone out who may have faced a similar situation.

I needed to store a motor, I did not have an engine cradle. I mounted a 1974 Chevy 454 BB onto an engine stand that was rated at 1000 lbs. When I started to lower the engine into position the stand was starting to fold in. The mounting plate was starting to bend and the support beam was starting to lean forward. I decided to use a 6X6 post with a 2x10, and two 2x6s across the legs of the cherry picker to support the engine under the oil pan. But I did not like to support the weight of the engine on the oilpan. I was using my hoist to alleviate the weight. I had to do something quick.


I came up with an idea that would fix my dilemna. I had the iron sitting around, so I commenced to take measurements and prepare the metal. I used 3/4" steel tubing, 2-pieces at 4 inches,

1-1/4" angle iron, 2-pieces at 5 inches, and two pieces at 24 inches. I welded the two 5 inch pieces of angle iron together to make a cradle to sit on the engine stand beam.

I took a measurement to determine my motormount dimension, calculated the angle in degrees, then cut them at 22 degrees, and welded the two 24 inch angle irons to the cradle.

I then trimmed out the other ends of the angle iron to fit the tubes and welded them into place.


I prepped and primed the fabbed support and let sit to dry for a couple hours. I painted the support with three coats of Krylon enamel and let it sit to dry thoroughly. When the time was ready I installed the support to the motor mounts, then lowered the engine back onto the stand. I observed the reaction, and decided that it was going to work. I moved the engine hoist and pushed the engine stand to the corner of the garage. I was pleased with the end result.

[PanelDeland]

Looks like it worked like a charm.I would suggest you think about upgrading the casters on the engine stand.Big Blocks are heavy so if you are going to do very many you will need a higher rated and good quality engine stand.

[68gmsee]

Good improvisation and a good way to insure engine won't go anywhere.

[72swb_327stroker_?]

that looks great! i wish i had thought of that before my 396bb wooden cradle fell apart. i probably wouldn't have sold the rebuilt motor if i had something better.

[Longhorn Man]

a BBC doesn't weigh more than 1000 pounds. I know it is kinda freaky to see the stand flex like that, but it's designed to.

[BigSky71]

That is way way better than the old trailer tire I set my engine in for two years!

[jorgensensc]

I would suggest a patent.
Shawn

[mtndewmaniac66]

Thanks for the warm comments! I can only hope that it helps others out there. Space was limited in my garage.

I have the castors in the works, but in the meantime, I purchased a box of foundation plate washers, they measure 2"x2", 3/16" thick, (thicker than a standard 1/2" washer) and have a 1/2" hole punched. It helped reinforce the castors very well.

Funnt thing, my wife also mentioned about a patent, this may be far fetched, but I am willing to produce them, for a small fee.

Once again, thank you.

[nvrsatisfied]

reminds me of the time i built my first engine yrs ago.....super nice small block done with all the bells and whistles, i had it on a stand fully dressed, kissed it good night, shut the shop doors took two steps and heard a thud. i thought something fell off the wall, so i went to investigate and their she lie bust on the concrete. thats how i felt.......

the stand i have now can hold a john deere tractor engine.