Having taken a mighty hiatus from v8's I built wheel standing VW air cooled's for a while. FUN! Anyway, nothing beats the whallop of a big block and I'm back with a vengeance (3 of 'em) What's your opinion on a reliable engine stand? I don't care about price, safety is a much bigger concern. You get pinned under a 2800ccVW engine and you'll be lucky too if all you have to do is holler for help to get it off. Obviously my needs are clear. Gentlemen, and Ladies...your thoughts please? Thanks, steve e

 

I like the 4 wheel ones with the drip pan between the legs.800 lbs. + is good enough The wheel ones just don't have the stability IMHO

 

I built my current 455 on a four wheel job I got from Summit racing for less than $100 bucks. Dropped the motor right into the car from the stand, so means all bolt torquing was done on this. A geared handle job would be nice, but not exactly like I'm a shop using it every day.

 

4 wheel unit,stay away from the 3 wheeled units.

 

My friend used a 3-wheel for his 454 rebuild. It worked. Not that it wasnt SKETCHY hahaha, but it worked. A 3-wheel also worked for my 455 tear down. But I would suggest something better if its available or if the budget allows

 

Agree totally. I've got one sitting in the garage doing nothing right now.....It used to have a 455 sitting on it and there were no issues with the weight or stablilty.

 

The 4 wheel stands from Harbor Freight aren't bad for the money. I just added a little extra bracing to mine.

 

I have two,one is a three wheel that has had a engine on it for about 13 or 14 years now, no problem at all. The other is a four wheel, and it is good accept the square (hollow) adjusters at the block mounting area it not so good. I built my 455 using that one and part way through it was sagging.

 

This is the one I suggest. Great stand good price and stable

http://www.harborfreight.com/2000-lb...and-67015.html

 

I made my own. Maybe not the most elegant solution, but I'm cheap.

 

That looks real stout!