engine lift hook
 

Saw on You Tube someone removing a 986 engine using a simple engine hoist lifting a Porsche "engine lift hook". Anyone know if these hooks are accessories or already installed on each engine?

There is already a lift point/loop installed. Look at the oddly shaped metal ring to the left of the throttle body in this picture.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/i...r/IMG_3824.jpg

That loop is used to hold up the engine if you are removing just the gear box. To remove the engine from the car, you have to do it the old fashioned way, drop it down.

I was most interested because I am considering buying a used 3.2 off Ebay. When shows up, that lift point would make it really easy to move it. So they are installed on all 3.2L engines at the factory?

Yes. Standard issue.

Keep in mind the pictured lift point is at the rear of the engine, so it is not balanced at all. It also doesn't look real strong to me. As mentioned, it is intended to be a way of supporting the rear of the engine while pulling the trans. You will need to come up with a front lift point, so you can lift at front and rear, to lift the engine while keeping it level. I attached to one of the bolts that holds the front engine mount, although the lift chain put some stress on the front of the pulleys - probably not ideal.