ok for people who rebuild there own engines what do you use to hold it while you work on it is a engine stand worth the dollars or will a bench suffice

i usually use a mini to hold my engine

Engine stand allows more access/can move it easier, but I haven't had mine on a stand, the zed's taking up the engine stand

Are you rebuilding an engine Marc?
I have never had an engine stand (maybe I wish I had) only used a bench.
Are you going the Suzuki route or A Series?

yer mine sits on the bench then on ground and now in a machinest shop

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Current Ride : Toyota Trueno AE86

mini parts for sale http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=42247

There was a topic on this a while back. It started off about engine lifting devices from memory. The problem with most engine stands is that there isn't anywhere real convenient to mount the block and it can interefere in the assembly stage and the points to use (like Oil filter bolts) aren't real strong to support the assembled motor.

Not that I build many engines, but I use the stand for cleaning and painting the bare block, but bottom end assembly is on the bench, head assembly on the bench, then on the ground for gearbox onto block (Drmini taught me that after I struggled several times doing it the other way), head onto block etc

If you've got a good strong bench, that will suffice, but it is hard lifting an assembled block on & off the bench on your own. Good Luck.
KB

I've got an engine stand I bought many years (probably 10 years ago now) ago from supercrap , it's supposed to be rated for a V8's weight (didn't have much faith in their lighter duty one at the time...) and find it's great . Assemble entire motor and gearbox being able to rotate motor to work from top or bottom . Whatever I can't fit in situ (flywheel/cluch etc) I do once it's back on the floor .

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sports - so where do you mount it - oil filter holes?

Nah , I use the top engine steady hole , and a couple of rearcover mount holes , haven't had one fall yet . I can assemble everything except for the oil pump (well , I can get it in there in-situ but it's easier afterwards) and the flywheel housings and all contained in that end . It won't do a full 360 degree rotation because the crank end hits the stand but it will do about 320 degree's , more than enough to build a motor and is turned by a jack handle for easy movement and locked into one of 6 positions around the circle . See below for a better understanding of it .

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thanks guys yeah i was thinking the stand would be much easier

TK i am going the suzuki route for the mini i bought from you i have everything except the frame which hopefully i will be able to get my hands on soonish

BUT i have two other minis and one which i use for work daily and its engine is on its last legs sooooooo i thought i would when i get the time have a crack at giving it a go
just rings, bearings etc

i have a 998 which was working but blowing smoke on the floor so i will use that not looking for performance just a nice little 998 and experience inside engines

What's the easiest way to get it off the subframe and onto the bench/ frame? Are there any lifters or such around????

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2002 FORD FALCON AUIII XR6 VCT- 3984cc

Previously owned :-
1968 Morris Cooper S
1967 Morris Mini Van
1978 Leyland Minni Clubman

I use an engine crane and normally lift the motor out of the mini rather than drop the subframe but each to their own as to the methods . Not sure on availability now , supercrap stopped selling them as they were found to be misleading with their SWL's . Got mine from an engineering supply place , best $500 ever spent .

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Chain lift attached to garage rafter - onto trolley same height as bench...pushy shovey, job done

repco has em now

if you have shed with a strong cross beam you can use a block and tackly set up type thing chain from the beam and ratchet it out

crane by far is the best though as you can wheel it around

Can you hire the cranes?? don't want to buy one......