Securing Engine to Stand and/or Cherry Picker

[khansmith]

Hello All:
I searched the forum for this basic question but didn't find any topics. My new engine (428FE) will be coming at the end of the week. This is the first engine I have ever bought outside of a car. I have purchased both an engine stand and a cherry picker. I have the following questions for this group:

Engine Stand Mounting
1.) What type of bolts should I buy to secure the engine to the stand while I build my cobra?
2.)Any type of specs I should be looking at?
3.) I assume I should use the tranny mounting holes?

Cherry Picker/Hoist Mounting Points
I have two hoist options in my posession . I know I don't need both to hoist the engine. I just bought both just in case. Here are my questions:
1.) Manifold Plate:
Can I use the bolts that currently secure the carb or do I need to buy a higher spec bolt?
2.) Tilter/ Load levelers:
I also have a crank based load leveler that comes with chains .
-Do I fasten the chains to the exhaust mounts on the block?
-What type of bolts should I use?

I would be SICK to my stomach if I drop this engine. Your input/feedback is greatly appreciated.

Khan

[Clois Harlan]

Engine stand: Use 4 1/2" long either 3/8" or 7/16" bolt (grade 5 or 8) using the holes for your Bell housing. I use the middle four horizontal bolt holes to attach your engine stand bracket . HINT: Remove the mounting brackets by removing the rod that you would rotate your engine with by pulling of the rubber grips and sliding the rod out of the 3" pipe. Then attach the bracket to your engine first and lift your engine up with your cherry picker and insert the bracket back into your stand, don't forget to use the lock bolt to keep the engine in place and re-install your rod and grip. My appologies for making this as simple as I have.

You will definitely want to use your tilting devise if you are installing your engine with your body on the car. For your cherry picker attach four corners of your chain to the front and rear intake manifold bolts on each side (I believe they are 5/16" bolts). Also, pick up several 3/8" and 7/16" flat washers (4 or 5 for each bolt).

Clois

[trularin]

What Clois said.

[FFR428]

I'd suggest the grade 8 bolts for a fully dressed FE on the stand. The last ones I used started to bend slowly. I'm pretty sure they were grade 5. Nothing worse than a droopy FE on your stand with nothing between it and the floor to catch it. I like to build a heavy wood crate if the engine is to sit on the floor for long periods of time. Congrats on the 428. I see your building a Hurricane. They make a really nice kit and I've been eye balling them also. I hear a 427 street version is soon to be released.

G.

[khansmith]

Thanks for all the feedback guys. I feel much better now and will make sure I get the right bolts for the job.

[Art Burtt]

One trick I learned pick the engine up and roll the car under it rather than trying to roll the cherry picker around. This works real well if you are installing engine before the body is on.

[khansmith]

One question that remains unanswered is around the Manifold Lifting Plate:

Can I use the bolts that currently secure the carb or do I need to buy a higher spec bolt?

[khansmith]

Originally Posted by FFR428

I see your building a Hurricane. They make a really nice kit and I've been eye balling them also. I hear a 427 street version is soon to be released.
G.

I too have heard about a street version but nothing official

I was torn between FFR and Hurricane. Even went to FFR build class. I wanted a NON-donor build. I think the FFR is a great car but it was just cheaper with Hurricane and you go new part route. However, if I was building a track car, FFR all the way.

[khansmith]

One question that remains unanswered is around the Manifold Lifting Plate:

Can I use the bolts that currently secure the carb or do I need to buy a higher spec bolt?

[2KWIK4U]

I think Clois was referring the using the load leveler on the corners of the intake, not the carb flange. I, also asked the questions you are, while installing my FE. I think the thread was titled "Do you trust engine lift plates". Several said they would use them on a small block, but not a BB. I used the bolts in the end of the heads, front left and right rear, since they are larger diameter bolts.

Brad W.

[khansmith]

Originally Posted by 2KWIK4U

I think Clois was referring the using the load leveler on the corners of the intake, not the carb flange. I, also asked the questions you are, while installing my FE. I think the thread was titled "Do you trust engine lift plates". Several said they would use them on a small block, but not a BB. I used the bolts in the end of the heads, front left and right rear, since they are larger diameter bolts.

Brad W.

I understood this. the lift plate is a seperate application than the load balancer. I might want to use one or the other as I have both.
I don't have a trust issue with the lift plate. There was a great article in Mustang magazine this month about lift plates. not worried about it breaking. I just want to know if the bolts that mount the carb to the engine are strong enough or if I have to get stronger ones. I still would like to know if anyone has the answer.

[Buzzmobile]

mine held and I used the same bolts..

[wtm442]

Originally Posted by FFR428

Nothing worse than a droopy FE

Make sure all hardware is new grade 5 or better. Viagra will not help droopy hardware.

Also, do NOT try to install the motor alone. Get some help. I had a friend that got pined down for 5 hours when the engine slipped.

[Carnut427]

Originally Posted by khansmith

...Can I use the bolts that currently secure the carb or do I need to buy a higher spec bolt?

I assume you're using studs? Make sure the studs are all the way in the intake.