Thread: Engine test stand

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Does anybody have a good set of plans for a low-cost test/break-in stand? Something strong, but not too huge since it will be kept in my rather small garage. I just dont want to fire my engine and have it spin across the garage wrecking everything in its path
Thanks.

get the front section of a V8 powered car. weld a x member across the back where you hack it and put castors on that.. then remove suspension and stuff and put castors W/ LOCKS on the front... some basic wiring and using the cars radiator.. you'll have a test stand. Gary's U pull it would be a prime place to get that stuff.

As in something like this:











It was made out of some old steel I had laying around and an actual engine stand to bolt the bellhousing onto. This design really only works with chevy's or another block where the flywheel bolts to the block. It is a little overkill though.

Originally Posted by 63BoxNova

Does anybody have a good set of plans for a low-cost test/break-in stand? Something strong, but not too huge since it will be kept in my rather small garage. I just dont want to fire my engine and have it spin across the garage wrecking everything in its path
Thanks.

I made one out of a HD push cart . It is compacted but has 4 heavy 3" wheels and rolles nice . For an exhaust sys I am using street rod headers with a short sys and turbo mufflers . And for a radiator I have one from a 1958 Chevy 283 . It fits just right on the cart . I also have a plate that will mount to the rear of the cart with gauges . You can see a photo of it in my photos .

get a front stub from an early camaro/nova complete with trans x member, radiator mount etc

Thanks for the ideas. Nice setup GMC400, I like the idea of using the engine stand and beefing it up with the heavy steel frame and all.
I like stuff with wheels, so Ill probably go with heavy casters with locks like Matt suggested.

That's about how it's set up. I have two non locking casters and two locking casters. The casters on all four corners make it easy to menuever. Good luck in the design you choose.