FE Power Forums
FE Power Forums => FE Technical Forum => Topic started by: 427HISS on April 17, 2018, 03:51:06 PM
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I'm wanting a stand to support my new engine, attach the bell, fly, clutch and trans, to align everything before installing into my Cobra.
To make it easier for this old man, rather than kneeling down on the garage floor to assemble, I have a very strong table, that I could place everything on to assemble.
I don't think the four post cradle will work, as you use the bell bolt area ?
The very few two post engine storage stand for the FE is just fine, but the cost with shipping are from $80 to $95. That's a lot of money for my needs.
Should I fork over nearly 100 bucks for one , or just put the engine on it's oil pan, use like 2x6 etc, to support the rear on the engine then install everything ?
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I would build a cradle out of 2x's on edge that sits the engine on the pan rail, not the bottom of the pan. Should be fairly simple. If you have a "T" pan, at least support most of the weight by the rails behind the sump and maybe put a block under it in front.
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I have a couple of these for my stuff, not sure if this is similar to what you're looking for. Company is "Motofeet". They allow you to bolt the bellhousing & trans to the engine if you want, as they bolt to the motor mount holes. Pictures show them balancing with the trans attached, but I haven't tried that. You can add casters if you want. They have a dealer network across the country, see if anyone near you sells them. The dealer near me didn't stock the FE & 460 version, and although he was very nice and told me he would get them ordered, I never heard back from him. I ended up buying mine from Loper's speed shop in Phoenix when I was there, they had them in stock. I think the price was about $49 set. If you can weld, or have a buddy who can you could make these up pretty easy. they seem pretty sturdy, for their purpose, made in the U.S.A. Here's a link to their website:
https://motofeet.com/2500
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I bought a couple of these with casters and am happy with them. They allow me to store a couple FEs and move them around as needed.
Have no idea if they will balance with the bell & trans attached.
https://www.stumpysfabworks.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html
Bill
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MotorFeet is one I'm looking at, from Eastwoods for $70 plus $15 shipping.
I also emailed Stumpy yesterday, but no reply so far.
With the cost, I may do what you did Scott. Mr. Dove made a combo of wood sizes, a shipping cradle, wasn't pretty, but worked. I thru is out as i felt their's no reason to keep it. SHUCKS !
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These are pretty cheap:
https://www.stumpysfabworks.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html
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Stumpy's is the way to go he's a great guy and very good service.
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I keep a couple styles in inventory
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x3 for Stumpy's cradle. I asked him to build one with the tall and wide options. I was able to hang the bellhousing, transmission and temporarily hung the primary headers and side pipes. After adding some sturdy casters, it is easy to move around the garage.
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I use these.https://www.harborfreight.com/30-in-x-18-in-1000-lb-capacity-hardwood-dolly-61897.html
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LOL, the 1000lb dolly that caves under 500 lbs. They do work if you top them with something to spread the load. Watch for BBs on the floor, that's how you know the casters are coming apart. I have and use several. Best deal is that when they fail, you toss and go get another one.
Stumpy's looks like a good deal - I typically build my own but his prices are about what material costs not counting the time to cut and fab. That said, for assembly work to make engine and trans, I just use the engine hoist. I use one of these
https://www.pro1safety.com/Engine-Hoist-Sling-Pro1Safety-P1-ES-100.htm
And keep the trans on a rolling dolly. Four 7/16-14 x 3" bolts with the heads cut off for guide pins, then just slide the parts together. Bolt up, lift, connect converter, all done.
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right now I have 2 complete 390s, carb to pan sitting on them for years. easy to move around. I even fired one that was just sitting on the dolly, no tie downs. I wanted to hear it run b4 I installed it in the car. The only thing I added was a 2x4 under the front lip of the oil pan for clearance on the damper. Easy & cheap.
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I ordered one fro Kurt "Spanky" yesterday.
I sure like like that sling system. 8)