Mounting engines on stands

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LuckyJackson

LuckyJackson

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Need some opinions before I attempt this. Picked up a 1969 383 complete engine (minus carb). I have a Larkin 4-wheel 750lb rated stand that I want to put it on. Is this doable? Am i tempting disaster? Research shows weight of a 383 to be 675lbs. There is still oil in this thing. Heads and intake also. Are these 4 7/16 bolts really gonna hold this? Am I missing something?Is there some way to additionally support it? Does it need more support. Even with a bigger (higher lb rated stand), it's still going to be only these 4 bolts holding it. It is going to sit in the corner for awhile because I have other stuff to do. Am I just worried for no reason. Advise please, and Thanks for reading.
 
I don't believe 675 pounds- your stand should work OK. On these types of stands, it is common for the stand to "groan" under the load so many will add a support under the front of the engine to better support it. This is why most now choose to use a four point bolt on frame with casters not an old school engine stand. These can be had for less than $100.
 
It should hold it fine, if it really bothers you, just cut a 2x4 to the correct length and put it under the front of the engine.
 
sireland67 said:
It should hold it fine, if it really bothers you, just cut a 2x4 to the correct length and put it under the front of the engine.
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I understand your concern, I was always careful also, never was a big fan of lifting a motor with just four bolts through the intake with a lift plate.
 
The early Chrysler Hemis are among the heaviest and I've had mine on a HF cheapo stand fully assembled. It's on the floor now on a wooden dolly because it has the transmission on it. Their dry weight is "around" 750 pounds.
 
Avispa said:
I understand your concern, I was always careful also, never was a big fan of lifting a motor with just four bolts through the intake with a lift plate.
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I have lifted alot of them that way, it does not even bother me. Installing or removing them from the engine compartment, I use a load leveler, that little device makes it so much easier.
But it bolts to the corners of the heads.
 
get a scissor jack from the pick-a-part and use it under the pan to the front member of the engine stand. It;ll take all the sag off the yoke. Just remember its not real stable like this: If your going to roll it again, lower the scissor under there just to make it snug and not bounce. My mechanic friend had a Lincoln flat head V12 on a huge motor stand. It had a geared crank to turn the load.
 
Eng stands and overkill should be in the same sentence!
 
It will work fine. The 4 bolts will hold the engine. HOWEVER, buy 4 grade 8 bolts. I also like the 2 x 4 idea. I do that also. Never had one fall off, and I've been doing this for over 40 years.
 
I built my own engine stand with huge roller bearings in the head. No sag and it spins over like butter. Has an indexing plate on the back to lock it in about 12 different positions.
I have a couple of the cheap engine stands that just collect dust since I built this one.
 
MoparMike1974 said:
I built my own engine stand with huge roller bearings in the head. No sag and it spins over like butter. Has an indexing plate on the back to lock it in about 12 different positions.
I have a couple of the cheap engine stands that just collect dust since I built this one.
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What, no built.in Wi-Fi ?
 
harrisonm said:
It will work fine. The 4 bolts will hold the engine. HOWEVER, buy 4 grade 8 bolts. I also like the 2 x 4 idea. I do that also. Never had one fall off, and I've been doing this for over 40 years.
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^^^^^^

Same here , altho I did add a brace to the lower upright on the cheap stand before hanging my 440/505 on it .
Also a work platform on the back, behind the roller tube for laying tools and parts on .
 
See the 2x4 at the front ? I later moved it to the pan and off the balancer.
IMG_2801.jpg
 
Okay, Thank you for the responses. I have more confidence that it will be fine. Only had small blocks on stands previously. Have grade 8 bolts, and I can use the front support method. It's just gonna sit awhile in the corner until I retire at this point.
 
Just don't wait as long as I did. My Big Block sat on the stand for 14 years...:lol:
 
Darter6 said:
Just don't wait as long as I did. My Big Block sat on the stand for 14 years...:lol:
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Mine is still on the stand, one day I will build it, it’s a nice standard bore 69 440.
I have no idea when, or what to put it in. I have so much small block stuff it does not make sense to build another big block.
 
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