Ok so I really need to stay off craigslist. I bought an engine running test stand. I need to mount a radiator to it and revamp a few things but I think it will be sweet to break in cams and check for leaks before dropping the engine in the car. It looks just like this one but the gas tank is a little different on mine.
SteveS said
May 2, 2011
Cool! I keep looking at one of those in the Northern tool Catalog, wish I had the room.
Chris R said
May 2, 2011
Those are pretty cool. I know people that have taken an old frame and hacked off the front and turned that into a test stand as well.
Lost in the 60s said
May 2, 2011
Chris R wrote:
Those are pretty cool. I know people that have taken an old frame and hacked off the front and turned that into a test stand as well.
WOW did that hit home. I have a Camaro subframe here that I was going to scrap because it's butchered. I could so easily build that into a rolling test stand....
Opps, I just remembered, I cut the frame horns off for another guys car, so there's nothing to bolt a core support and radiator to. Hmmmmm.....gonna have to think about this more....
Nice score, Chris. Maybe this is the start of a dyno business for you...
67ss said
May 2, 2011
I was kind thinking that once it is setup and working that I might rent it out for persons that want to run there engine prior to install to make sure everything is good and leak free.
bowtie said
May 2, 2011
I might be able to score a pod to hold gauges to..... was to make a 3rd one similar to the stands we build back in the '90s for our running engine stands (that we no longer have).
SShink said
May 2, 2011
There's definitely something to say for dropping an engine in that's already had the cam broken in and is in running condition. That was half the reason I had mine dyno'd before installing it. It literally started right up after installing it in the car. This engine running stand is a great investment!
67ss said
Oct 21, 2011
Ok so I finially started working on this thing to make it usable. I first replaced the casters with something that should actually roll with weight on it. Then I mounted the radiator with a little tool tray in front. But I have determined the distance between the bellhousing and the radiator is to short to mount a big block on it without it crashing into the radiator. I have it all in pieces now adding 8 inches to the overall length. But here are some pictures of the changes so far.
Probably too late to stop the buthery, but why not mount the radiator on the other side of the frame ??
John D said
Oct 22, 2011
The footprint on that rig looks a bit narrow for my tastes.... what about adding some extendo outriggers (with screwjacks) on the passenger side to combat torque flip?
Dave Seitz said
Oct 22, 2011
John, after he gets done with it it needs to be featured in the newsletter with all dimensions and prints. ;)
67ss said
Oct 22, 2011
Lost in the 60s wrote:
Probably too late to stop the buthery, but why not mount the radiator on the other side of the frame ??
I Looked at that thought but it would have required more work for mounting it. Second it is better protected from getting hit or damaged when moving it or other things around the garage.
John it is actually pretty wide and sits low enough not to worry about it going over sideways I think? Guess I will find out.
67ss said
Oct 30, 2011
Made some more progress. Here it is with the 8" longer base and battery tray mounted off the back.
Installed an engine and wanted to see how header clearance would be with the way it came. Headers were close to hitting so I modified the rear mounting area, there should be no problems now with exhaust.
I do have an extra volt gauge for you-it's even Auto Meter brand, along with that other little piece you asked for. Have a spare temp gauge too if you need it.
4-door Chevelle said
Nov 1, 2011
You are having way too much fun!
67ss said
Nov 30, 2011
I made a little more progress. Got the new gas tank mounted and almost done with wiring the gauge panel.
Ok so I really need to stay off craigslist. I bought an engine running test stand. I need to mount a radiator to it and revamp a few things but I think it will be sweet to break in cams and check for leaks before dropping the engine in the car. It looks just like this one but the gas tank is a little different on mine.
Those are pretty cool. I know people that have taken an old frame and hacked off the front and turned that into a test stand as well.
I was kind thinking that once it is setup and working that I might rent it out for persons that want to run there engine prior to install to make sure everything is good and leak free.
There's definitely something to say for dropping an engine in that's already had the cam broken in and is in running condition. That was half the reason I had mine dyno'd before installing it. It literally started right up after installing it in the car. This engine running stand is a great investment!
Ok so I finially started working on this thing to make it usable. I first replaced the casters with something that should actually roll with weight on it. Then I mounted the radiator with a little tool tray in front. But I have determined the distance between the bellhousing and the radiator is to short to mount a big block on it without it crashing into the radiator. I have it all in pieces now adding 8 inches to the overall length. But here are some pictures of the changes so far.
Probably too late to stop the buthery, but why not mount the radiator on the other side of the frame ??
I Looked at that thought but it would have required more work for mounting it. Second it is better protected from getting hit or damaged when moving it or other things around the garage.
John it is actually pretty wide and sits low enough not to worry about it going over sideways I think? Guess I will find out.
Made some more progress. Here it is with the 8" longer base and battery tray mounted off the back.
Installed an engine and wanted to see how header clearance would be with the way it came. Headers were close to hitting so I modified the rear mounting area, there should be no problems now with exhaust.
Looks pretty cool, Chris. It should work nice !!
I made a little more progress. Got the new gas tank mounted and almost done with wiring the gauge panel.