Hoisting a 350 TPI engine

WZ JUNK · September 15, 2004, 02:55:47 PM

You would think that hooking a hoist to an engine would be a simple task. I am installing a TPI Chevy engine in a 56 Plymouth. I have spent most of the day trying to hook the engine to a hoist. The engine is complete with all of accessories and I need to keep everything in place so that I can check clearances as I work. I have tried a variety of hookups. I am concerned with using the bolt holes in the front of the heads to hook the hoist. Is this a problem? If I use the threaded holes in the heads it will simplify things some. I still have to fabricate some brackets for the chains and the extension will put even more loads on the bolts that are threaded into the aluminum heads. There must be a way to do this.

GPster · September 15, 2004, 03:32:13 PM

Build a nice stand for the engine, Engineer the proper oil pan clearence and that the engine is level and that it tilts back 4 degrees. The pick up the car and drop it on it. I'm sure that's the way that Mopar freaks say that thats the only way a Chevy could get in one. There, that made this break enjoyable for me. Maybe Crosley has an idea. GPster

enjenjo · September 15, 2004, 04:12:38 PM

Quote from: "WZ JUNK"You would think that hooking a hoist to an engine would be a simple task. I am installing a TPI Chevy engine in a 56 Plymouth. I have spent most of the day trying to hook the engine to a hoist. The engine is complete with all of accessories and I need to keep everything in place so that I can check clearances as I work. I have tried a variety of hookups. I am concerned with using the bolt holes in the front of the heads to hook the hoist. Is this a problem? If I use the threaded holes in the heads it will simplify things some. I still have to fabricate some brackets for the chains and the extension will put even more loads on the bolts that are threaded into the aluminum heads. There must be a way to do this.

I have a H shaped rig with 4 straps on the ends that are long enough to pick up the bolts on the ends of the heads, and a loop welded into the center of the H to hook to the hoist. It works for me. It works with tunnel rams too.

47wood · September 15, 2004, 04:52:36 PM

I lifted my LS1 w/4L60E (625 lbs) using the bolt holes in the aluminum heads with no problem. The guys at Street and Performance told me thats what they do. I do use one of those leveling devices to balance the load so the trans isn't too low. It's at least a 2 man job and I like 3.

WZ JUNK · September 15, 2004, 05:31:45 PM

Quote from: "47wood"I lifted my LS1 w/4L60E (625 lbs) using the bolt holes in the aluminum heads with no problem. The guys at Street and Performance told me thats what they do. I do use one of those leveling devices to balance the load so the trans isn't too low. It's at least a 2 man job and I like 3.

I really wanted someone to tell me that it was okay to use those bolt holes in the front/rear of the heads. That will make it a lot easier. I use one of those tilting hookups. I took the handle off mine and I use my impact to run the threaded adjuster in and out. Lots faster. Faster is better, right.

Bruce Dorsi · September 15, 2004, 06:43:14 PM

Quote from: "WZ JUNK"Faster is better, right.

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Maybe, ... but according to my wife, too fast is NOT good!

phat46 · September 15, 2004, 08:29:01 PM

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I picked up my 429 Ford using only two of those bolt holes...I ferget what that big anchor weighs, but it is a LOT!

sirstude · September 16, 2004, 09:28:00 AM

I lifted my 502 with 5 speed using one of those levelers and the threaded botl holes in the front of my aluminum heade. I know that big block is a LOT heavier than what you are doing. I do use the right length bolts so that the chain is sandwiched tight to heads so the bolt is in shear, not just trying to bend.

Doug

WZ JUNK · September 16, 2004, 12:18:54 PM

Had the motor in and out once today. It had to come out for a little crossmember triming where the air conditioner was touching. The compressor mounts underneath on the right side of the engine. Seems to be going good overall. I mounted the hoist using everyones recomendations and it seems to work well. I guess I should take a picture.

47wood · September 16, 2004, 02:02:45 PM

You're pretty sharp if you only have to take it in and out once! It usually takes me 2 or 3 times to get it right. When you think it's perfect there always seems to be a little "triming" to do.