Engine Run/Test stand

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sgrip65

sgrip65

66 Dart GT 273, 65 Dart GT 273 HiPo
FABO Gold Member
Joined
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Location
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Hello members. I have a built 340 and a HiPo 273 just waiting to be fired up. Would anyone be able to advise me, share with me, or direct me to a set of plans to build an engine test stand? I do have the front frame rails from a 65 Plymouth Valiant along with the radiator support which would make a great start for the Mopar engines. Basically, I will need to reinforce/brace the unit, but I am interested in the wiring, fuel, starter switch, and whatever else I might need to put this test stand together. Anything anyone can help me with would be a great help. Thank you very much. sgrip65
 
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Local steel shop, box beam in box beam.
I used a chop saw to cut the lengths as needed. Welded them togther. Presto.
Wire it up like a car or use the MP directions for “Widing up a Hot Rod” & you’ll be good to go.
Not seen is a battery tray and fuel cell tray. (Gas can with tube stuck in it under the fuel pump.)

Totally adjustable for what ever sits between the rails. Though I would need to probably make a plate for the transmission bell for what ever other make sits in there.

Harbor Freight 4 inch castors were used since it clears with a couple of plates on top of the castors for the engine hoist to roll under it.
 
That is a really large set of castors in that last picture! You say you can get those at harbor freight?
 
Yes, those nice big round bouncy baby buggy bumpers are excellent!
 
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I wish you lived closer. I have one about 80% finished and it’s time to thin the herd of some projects
 
Ronald C. said:
Damn it.
At the risk of high jacking your thread SGrip,

You start thinking about selling and willing to ship Pitts, buzz me....
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I would love to but between bad knees and living in the country shipping is just to much of a headache. Sorry
 
Ronald C. said:
If you don’t mind me asking, What do think is resonable budget for material?

About how much time did you have building it?
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Unfortunately I don't know how much it costs to build one as I was given a bunch of square tubing in exchange for rebuilding a friends skid steer trailer. Between what I had on hand and what I was given I had everything to build it on hand. I also don't know how much time I invested as I just worked on it whenever I didn't have another project. A couple of hours here and a couple there and before long it was done. I'm not much help am I?
 
grimreaper said:
Unfortunately I don't know how much it costs to build one as I was given a bunch of square tubing in exchange for rebuilding a friends skid steer trailer. Between what I had on hand and what I was given I had everything to build it on hand. I also don't know how much time I invested as I just worked on it whenever I didn't have another project. A couple of hours here and a couple there and before long it was done. I'm not much help am I?
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LOL. Hey, I’ll take honesty any day
 
Shipping of the box tubing added up quick. With heavy duty wheels, gauges, prints, big block starter adapter I’m betting I was pushing 350.00
 
Ronald C. said:
Found on on Craig’s list very similar to this one that is brand new for $400
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Just do yourself a favor and really check thing over closely. I almost bought one for I’m Summit but the more I looked the more I was going to have to modify it.
 
There are nice engine dollys on Ebay for around 40 bucks that would make a nice start on one.
 
I didn’t keep recipes on the tubing, but that can fluctuate wildly from seller to seller, region to region. A spool of welding wire is cheap. No gas was used. The casters were cheap. I’m not kidding when I say spray paint was the most expensive item considering what’s being done. The radiator is from my Magnum but a new one like that one is was around $200 from AutoZone.

Gauges, if you have none are a little expensive to get for this project. Even cheap ones. But your really only looking for a Tach, oil & temp to break in and tune an engine while checking for leaks. Adding a set of 02 sensors really helps make the stand a great tool and get the tuning chore done real fast, but, Ka-ching $$$$$$$

Not for nothin though, purchasing a kit maybe a little more expensive than a well thought out home project, but I think it isn’t a bad deal ether.
 
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