LT1-LT4 Modifications 1993-97 Gen II Small Block V8

Buying an Engine Stand tonight, any pointers?

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Old 05-07-2012, 12:55 PM
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Default Buying an Engine Stand tonight, any pointers?

A buddy and I are going down to harbor frieght to pick him up an engine stand tonight for his LT1 project. It for an LT1 motor out of a '96 TA, is there anything specific we should look for or consider when buying a stand? Thanks!
Old 05-07-2012, 01:10 PM
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Not really, I got mine at Advance Auto I think, just make sure its the rotisserie style. Small block with aluminum heads isnt that heavy, just be sure to use grade 8 bolts.
Old 05-07-2012, 01:19 PM
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There are 2 engine stands that HFT typically sells. One is good for 750 lbs. (around $45) and the other is good for 1000 lbs. (usually $60). The casters on these things suck so hose them down with grease so they actually roll. You should also grease where the black mounting plate slides through the stand so you can easily turn the engine.

I left the 3800 from my 96 Bird on a HFT 750 lb stand for a while. A few days after pulling it from the k-member, I went to flip the engine upside down to install the oil pan but it just wouldn't budge. It took 3 people to anchor the stand and flip the engine because it was stuck sitting upright. You really have to lube up HF stuff.
Old 05-07-2012, 02:29 PM
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Get the HD 1000lb one theyre not as stout as they use to be LoL My A/C Delco one from the parts store Squats a lil even with the LT1 Im always overkill on certain things & thats 1 of em It sure would suck to buy the lighter weight stand & come out to the shop/garage & find **** broke off because the xxxxx broke & now its layin in the floor ON that 350 dollar Tb ya just installed
Old 05-07-2012, 03:13 PM
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I have an HF and a AC delco, the handle on the HF has a cheap pin to hold it in and the casters are held on to the frame with some cheap hardware. The AC Delco I have is better built if you plan on using it a bunch.
Old 05-07-2012, 03:32 PM
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the harbor freight stand is a little taller than the advance auto one. it is one of the few things they sell that will not break after a handful of uses.
Old 05-07-2012, 03:40 PM
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Get one that has wider spaced front wheels, ones that are shaped like a T tend to try to tilt over easier.


^Bad idea.....
Old 05-07-2012, 03:46 PM
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Same here I have the delco with the 4 tires...best money ever spent..IF getting the HF one i'd go with the one that has the 4 tires as well..they seem to told more weight.
Old 05-07-2012, 04:06 PM
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Get the bigger / heavier one, If you get the cheaper lighter one (Like I did at one time) they are a pain to move around and to rotate the engine..
Old 05-07-2012, 04:12 PM
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Awesome guys. Thanks for all the fast responces!

For you guys that bought the AC Delco ones, where did you get yours at?
Old 05-07-2012, 04:15 PM
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Def get the better one. I've had the 3 legged one try to tip over on me with an iron headed small block before, and it was a pain to move around.
Old 05-07-2012, 04:49 PM
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I got my ACdelco stand at O'Reilly's Auto Parts.
Old 05-07-2012, 06:22 PM
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I have a 1000 lb ProXOne from Kragen. I agree with all the other posts, get one with 4 wheels and at least the 1000 lb rating. Mine held an LT1 for 2 years just fine. Be sure to use grade 8 bolts and washers to attach the engine.
Old 05-07-2012, 09:47 PM
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The 3 caster HFT stand is the 750 lb model. Avoid at all costs because it has a tendency to topple over.
Old 05-07-2012, 11:10 PM
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Originally Posted by jlpz
I got my ACdelco stand at O'Reilly's Auto Parts.
Same for me.
Old 05-07-2012, 11:40 PM
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He ended up picking up the $60 1,000lb one. It looked pretty damn good considering the price.

I have never been to a harbor freight before (nearest one is over an hour away)...I could have dropped $5,000 in there today lol. Spent over an hour just looking around lol.
Old 05-08-2012, 03:38 AM
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i tend to be amazed at how much stuff they can cram into a little store



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