Swapping engines

[LoneWolfGal]

Looks like I'll be doing a lot of preventative wrenching on the new engine before I put it in the car. It's now dangling from my cherry-picker hoist, and I can't work on it there (because I'm not nuts). I want the engine to be elevated, accessible, and secure. Naturally, I considered buying an engine stand, which could provide all those qualities. I've used them and they're great. But I've decided a $212 half-ton hydraulic lift table would be a more versatile solution. Besides providing a platform for working on the engine, it might come in handy when dropping the old engine and raising the new one into place. The clincher: It has a Premium Integrated Hydraulic Pump! Top that.

[piper6909]

Originally Posted by LoneWolfGal

Looks like I'll be doing a lot of preventative wrenching on the new engine before I put it in the car. It's now dangling from my cherry-picker hoist, and I can't work on it there (because I'm not nuts). I want the engine to be elevated, accessible, and secure. Naturally, I considered buying an engine stand, which could provide all those qualities. I've used them and they're great. But I've decided a $212 half-ton hydraulic lift table would be a more versatile solution. Besides providing a platform for working on the engine, it might come in handy when dropping the old engine and raising the new one into place. The clincher: It has a Premium Integrated Hydraulic Pump! Top that.

Sounds like a solid choice. An engine stand has its advantages, like being able to flip the engine over, but one big disadvantage: no access to the back of the motor (RMS, IMSB, etc.). But if you find a cheap one on Cragslist, they are still nice to have, especially if you think you'll doing other cars. If not, you could always resell it for the same amount you paid, if you get it at the right price. I've seen them sell for $10-$100. At those prices, why not have both? I think it's well-worth it.

[LoneWolfGal]

Originally Posted by piper6909

Sounds like a solid choice. An engine stand has its advantages, like being able to flip the engine over, but one big disadvantage: no access to the back of the motor (RMS, IMSB, etc.). But if you find a cheap one on Cragslist, they are still nice to have, especially if you think you'll doing other cars. If not, you could always resell it for the same amount you paid, if you get it at the right price. I've seen them sell for $10-$100. At those prices, why not have both? I think it's well-worth it.

Yes, I'd like to also have an engine stand for this project, but I'm pinching pennies so that I can buy all the parts I'll need to make the new engine run as smoothly and be as trouble free as possible. I haven't totaled up the expenditure yet, but I have a feeling it will make my hair stand on end.