Building an Engine Test Stand - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

JimmyFloyd · 06-30-2010, 03:11 PM

Ok, so I need some advice on building an engine test stand so i can start up my spare 350 to make sure everything works on it. I have a welder, but haven't ever used it yet, so if I can get away without using it right now, that would be great. I have seen some done with wood. The electronics and fuel stuff I can do, it's just the basic design I will need help with and how to keep it safe. (Yes, i have heard of people just starting them up in the floor, but that's not my style.)

BATurbo · 07-01-2010, 03:13 PM

In a pinch, an engine stand will work, (just make sure the flexplate/flywheel can spin freely). I've done compression tests using a generic stand (bolted on a starter and powered it up). The first time I did I was nervous about the stand tipping, but I didn't have any trouble. You could always run tie staps as hold-downs to make sure the stand stays upright. (an easy, no-welding, solution).

Shyguy · 07-01-2010, 06:13 PM

I have thought about the same thing. I have been thinking about making one out of the front half of a spare frame I have laying around. Just in the planning phases so far.

chris mc bride · 07-01-2010, 08:03 PM

I have one that works pretty good basically its like a rolling stand for storage with widder stance I think its about 18" wider than motor on each side made out of 2x2 heavy wall tuning with 2x6 across bottom and on solid 4" wheels its about 2 foot longer than motor and has a radiator on front with dual electric fans.A 2 gallon fuel tank.
You will need a welder for this but hell its good excuse and if the welds are not pretty so what.If one breaks you can always fix it later.I think I have cpl hundered bucks in it buts its worht it(JMO).I can fire a engine up and even rev it up some.This way once I drop it in car/truck what ever its ready to run.

**kev2809** · 07-01-2010, 09:49 PM

anyone have any pics? i would like to maybe try to make one too since my motor is already on the stand...would suck to get all that work done for nothing

coater · 07-01-2010, 10:43 PM

I have some plans that I purchased.Would be glad to make you a copy.

**Captainfab** · 07-02-2010, 12:10 AM

I built one about 20 years ago. I need to make a couple changes to is so I can run the headers hanging down instead of up above. This is the only pic I have handy of it.....with a 396 on it. I can get more pics or dimensions if needed.

Psycho71 · 07-02-2010, 09:54 AM

We just made one for my bil's 302 ford motor. We used one of the roll around cradles (around $50), and modified it so it would work. I'll be doing the same thing for the 350 going into my burb before long. It's just too easy to get all the particulars worked out while it's out of the vehicle and easy to get to everything.

JimmyFloyd · 07-02-2010, 09:56 AM

Got any pictures of that one from the engine cradle? I thought about using one of those.

I am also going to be picking up some 2" thick wall tubing soon. The local metal place has 30"-33" pieces for $3 each, less if I buy a bundle. Seems like a good price to me. Might be a good project to practice welding on since I won't burn through it as fast as sheet metal.

ol_skool_chevy · 07-02-2010, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coater

I have some plans that I purchased.Would be glad to make you a copy.

I'd love a copy of your plans....I'm building one but ideas are always welcome

JimmyFloyd · 07-02-2010, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coater

I have some plans that I purchased.Would be glad to make you a copy.

I would like these too.

coater · 07-02-2010, 11:05 PM

ol'skool, PM me your email and I'll be glad to send them to you.

Psycho71 · 07-03-2010, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyFloyd

Got any pictures of that one from the engine cradle? I thought about using one of those.

I am also going to be picking up some 2" thick wall tubing soon. The local metal place has 30"-33" pieces for $3 each, less if I buy a bundle. Seems like a good price to me. Might be a good project to practice welding on since I won't burn through it as fast as sheet metal.

Sorry no pics tight now. But it was really easy. We did have to modify it a bit because it was for a ford, and the starter bolts to the bell housing. Luckily, his was a standard so we just used the bell housing instead of the whole trans. With a chevy, no need for that since the starter bolts to the block.

We used a cheap triple gauge set, and boat gas tank, built a small frame out of 2x4's to mount the radiator, and used an electric fan on it. Nothing pretty to look at, but it worked great and reflected a true redneck engineering ability.

b&a72 · 07-03-2010, 01:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coater

ol'skool, PM me your email and I'll be glad to send them to you.

I would like to get that to if I could.

**tkeduk8r** · 07-03-2010, 11:54 AM

Coater Id be interested as well for building one for my auto shop at school!!!
--Mike

haysonj · 07-03-2010, 12:56 PM

Here's one I threw together from stuff I had laying around the garage. I've had this motor to around 4000 RPM and not had any problems with it wanting to tip over.

turbo350 · 07-04-2010, 09:28 AM

You could put your time and effort and money into the engine rather than the stand by doing this:

YouTube- cheap engine test stand

b&a72 · 07-04-2010, 01:47 PM

How are you wiring it to start it? Just using an ingnition switch from the starter, and a battery?

coater · 07-04-2010, 11:15 PM

I sent some plans to the ones that PM'ed me there email address.

06-30-2010, 03:11 PM	#1
JimmyFloyd Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 1,458	Building an Engine Test Stand Ok, so I need some advice on building an engine test stand so i can start up my spare 350 to make sure everything works on it. I have a welder, but haven't ever used it yet, so if I can get away without using it right now, that would be great. I have seen some done with wood. The electronics and fuel stuff I can do, it's just the basic design I will need help with and how to keep it safe. (Yes, i have heard of people just starting them up in the floor, but that's not my style.) __________________ 1970 Blazer 350/SM465/205 SOLD! \| 1998 Z3

07-01-2010, 03:13 PM	#2
BATurbo Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Warren, Mi Posts: 32	Re: Building an Engine Test Stand In a pinch, an engine stand will work, (just make sure the flexplate/flywheel can spin freely). I've done compression tests using a generic stand (bolted on a starter and powered it up). The first time I did I was nervous about the stand tipping, but I didn't have any trouble. You could always run tie staps as hold-downs to make sure the stand stays upright. (an easy, no-welding, solution).

07-01-2010, 06:13 PM	#3
Shyguy Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Southeast Missouri Posts: 2,436	Re: Building an Engine Test Stand I have thought about the same thing. I have been thinking about making one out of the front half of a spare frame I have laying around. Just in the planning phases so far. __________________ '67 Chevy C-20 short stepper - build complete, 454/SM-465. '75 C-30 Single Cab DRW-350 small block/NP-435. '77 GMC-6500 Dump Truck, 427 Tall Deck. '92 GMC K-3500 Duallie, 454/4L80E.

07-01-2010, 08:03 PM	#4
chris mc bride Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: greensboro nc Posts: 673	Re: Building an Engine Test Stand I have one that works pretty good basically its like a rolling stand for storage with widder stance I think its about 18" wider than motor on each side made out of 2x2 heavy wall tuning with 2x6 across bottom and on solid 4" wheels its about 2 foot longer than motor and has a radiator on front with dual electric fans.A 2 gallon fuel tank. You will need a welder for this but hell its good excuse and if the welds are not pretty so what.If one breaks you can always fix it later.I think I have cpl hundered bucks in it buts its worht it(JMO).I can fire a engine up and even rev it up some.This way once I drop it in car/truck what ever its ready to run.

07-01-2010, 09:49 PM	#5
kev2809 low n' slo Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: rosenberg, texas Posts: 5,143	Re: Building an Engine Test Stand anyone have any pics? i would like to maybe try to make one too since my motor is already on the stand...would suck to get all that work done for nothing __________________ 67 1/2 ton Suburban - Project DRGNWGN. Build thread -_--_--_ _________ _--_-_ -/____\|__\|__\__ ,.,,,.,.,,.,\|_O _______ O_]

07-01-2010, 10:43 PM	#6
coater Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Leesburg,Ga. Posts: 359	Re: Building an Engine Test Stand I have some plans that I purchased.Would be glad to make you a copy.

07-02-2010, 12:10 AM	#7
Captainfab 60-66 Nut Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Posts: 23,246	Re: Building an Engine Test Stand I built one about 20 years ago. I need to make a couple changes to is so I can run the headers hanging down instead of up above. This is the only pic I have handy of it.....with a 396 on it. I can get more pics or dimensions if needed. Attached Images __________________ Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE

07-02-2010, 09:54 AM	#8
Psycho71 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kaufman, Tx Posts: 827	Re: Building an Engine Test Stand We just made one for my bil's 302 ford motor. We used one of the roll around cradles (around $50), and modified it so it would work. I'll be doing the same thing for the 350 going into my burb before long. It's just too easy to get all the particulars worked out while it's out of the vehicle and easy to get to everything. __________________ You only need two tools in life - WD-40 and Duct Tape. If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40. If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape. If a hammer doesn't fix it, you have an electrical problem! Slot Cars, 1:24 Scale, 100MPH@100,000RPM, fastest things on wheels!

07-02-2010, 09:56 AM	#9
JimmyFloyd Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 1,458	Re: Building an Engine Test Stand Got any pictures of that one from the engine cradle? I thought about using one of those. I am also going to be picking up some 2" thick wall tubing soon. The local metal place has 30"-33" pieces for $3 each, less if I buy a bundle. Seems like a good price to me. Might be a good project to practice welding on since I won't burn through it as fast as sheet metal. __________________ 1970 Blazer 350/SM465/205 SOLD! \| 1998 Z3

07-02-2010, 11:05 PM	#12
coater Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Leesburg,Ga. Posts: 359	Re: Building an Engine Test Stand ol'skool, PM me your email and I'll be glad to send them to you.

07-03-2010, 11:54 AM	#15
tkeduk8r Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Alexandria, MN Posts: 1,462	Re: Building an Engine Test Stand Coater Id be interested as well for building one for my auto shop at school!!! --Mike __________________ 63 C20 2WD, 230/SM420/4.11 73K 68 C30 dump truck, 327,SM425,4.56 66K original 68 C10 2WD SWB Stepper, 250/3-tree/3.73 66K.... Wifes 68 Buick Skylark Custom Conv., 350/TH400/2.56 In our family since '79 69 GMC 1500 SWB 2WD, 350/TH350/3.73 posi... 70 K10 SWB 4X4 4-sp,ps, pb, tilt, buckets, console, sliding back window (Need AC parts) WIP 72 Chevy K20 4x4 350/350/205/4.56 donor 72 Vette 350/M21/3.70 posi, triple black and super fast 84 Olds Cutlass Brougham 350/2004r/4.11 was Dad's

07-03-2010, 12:56 PM	#16
haysonj Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Santa Maria, Ca. Posts: 1,423	Re: Building an Engine Test Stand Here's one I threw together from stuff I had laying around the garage. I've had this motor to around 4000 RPM and not had any problems with it wanting to tip over. Attached Images __________________ 69 Chevy 4x4 383 Power

07-04-2010, 01:47 PM	#18
b&a72 Active Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 682	Re: Building an Engine Test Stand How are you wiring it to start it? Just using an ingnition switch from the starter, and a battery?

07-04-2010, 11:15 PM	#19
coater Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Leesburg,Ga. Posts: 359	Re: Building an Engine Test Stand I sent some plans to the ones that PM'ed me there email address.



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