Projects Making a engine stand out of wood

I would like to make something to run a 235 I just picked up and was wondering if I could make it out of wood,if I was going to run more then just one motor I would make one out of steel but this is going to be a one time event so would the wood hold up to run it long enough to see what shape its in. I want to run this motor before I put it on the regular motor stand to see if its going to need more then a reseal.

 

Thought about doing this for a small block chevy... Dont see why it wouldnt work. Thats what crate motors come in.

 

Don't overthink or overbuild. A V8 is easier to balance on the ground, but with the upright 6, just use wood blocks in the right sizes tucked where you can, then a few strips of wood nailed to keep them in place.

Idling, it won't move much, but revving it off and on, will.

 

I plan on mounting a radiator and let it run long enough to get completely warm and might rev it a little.

 

make some long out-riggers side to side with triangular plywood gussets on the up-rites. you should be abel to rev it if wide enough.

 

I have started engines on the floor with a couple of old tires to hold it in place. Just be careful with the revs, things can get interesting in a second.

 

If you rev it, do it very slow. When I was in high school I rolled an engine over reving it too quick. Lucky I was on the 'right' side and it didn't get me.

 

I put my flattie V8 on a furniture dollie with a ratched strapp around it and it worked fine.
These work great. Think low center of gravity,dont put it 3' high like some test stands.

 

There are a lot of them for model a motors. I like the look of them.

 

two 6x8 timbers to put under the bellhousing ears, and a 4x6 under the pan will be all you need.

 

I built this one for my 261, worked great" http://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/engine_dolly.html

Still have have it. If you were coming by the Minneapolis area, I would give it to you.

 

I have a 4x4 stand holding my SBF right now and it works just fine. Made from scrap stuff I had lying around the shop. Did not put on wheels since I can move motor, trans and stand with engine hoist that has wheels.

 

http://www.hemihaines.com/Early-Hemi-Engines-6-146.html

Here's a bunch. These are on wheels, and double as test stands. There are some you tubes out there of these bad boys getting the cams broken in and tuned.

 

Those furniture dollies are actually pretty well built. Even if you can't use the dolley itself, for $5 you can't beat the cost. Hell when was the last time one could even find a caster wheel for $5, let alone four of them.

 

road trip to Minn. what are you doing with a Chevy engine anyway?

 

Its going in this and if the new 235 is no good it might be time for a good Ford motor or one of the better GM motors like a Olds rocket,I would send it to the crusher before installing a sbc.

 

Even a 265 or 283? Just as traditional as a flathead. But yeah, sixes are WAY faster and cooler, especially the sound(noise?).

 

I spent too much time and effort making the existing 235 look like a 216 so I really cant turn back and install a V8 so I hope the new 235 is good,if it eventually gets a V8 I want one to look like it was transplanted back in the early 50s. The existing 235 was rebuilt but has developed a couple noises that will require a tear down,I think I can keep it going until the new 235 is ready to go in.

 

I hear ya. I just hope you put good mufflers on it so I don't HEAR ya. Never understood the attraction to the old backfiring sound some of those sixes have. Sure is pretty though.

 

I'm sure you know, that's exactly what was the in thing back then.

 

Its going to get new mufflers since I dont like the short glasspacks since they are a little too noisy now that I got a stereo in it now,I am going to hunt for some mufflers with a good tone but quiter.

 

A 303/324 rocket made to look like it just came out of 49 or 50 would be what I would be after but not giving up on a 6 for now,if the new 235 is not good it might be used for the crank to put in the existing 235 but will know when I get it running.

 

How 'bout a 270/ 302 Jimmy? Would look right under that hood, lotsa grunt.

 

Hell yeah. Or a 305 smog motor with fake Rocket valve covers!

 

I never liked the fake Olds valve covers but then I do have a fake looking 216 so I might not have room to talk.

 

Hi Junkyard Jeff, I have a 65' Galaxie I may consider selling. E-mail or pm me I can try to get you some pics. Dont know how to add them here.

 

...use blocks or build a box to set the oilpan rails on, then hook a come-a-long onto a chain on top of engine to a rafter; this'll keep the engine uprite during running; cuz you know you're gonna wanna blip the throtle.

 

I test ran a BB on a tire and didnt drop it so Im sure wood will work fine, just ise screws not nails!

 

That would be a site to see...

 

i had a cradle for moving engines around that lasted years till the wood rotted away, if you want to build a cheap metal one then just us some bed frame angle iron, people leave old metal bed frames at the end of their driveways with free signs on them all the time.