Engine Test Bed

[944fan]

I want to try rebuilding an engine to learn more about how they go together etc (you can get them off ebay for next to nothing). I have room in my garage for an engine stand but I don't have the room for a knacked car to sit around with no engine in it. I have seen on the TV (I think it was a hot rod program on Discovery) where engine builders drop the engine on to some sort of metal frame which has a battery and fuel supply (well a pipe and a bucket) that they use to test the engine runs. Does anyone know where you can get something like this? I suppose you could make your own but I have never welded anything.

[Steve_D]

I doubt you can buy one as engines have different mount points so it looks like your first task is to learn how to weld.

Steve

[Boosted LS1]

I made one for chevy lsx engines but it'll easily adapt for others. Buy an engine stand from machine mart, get the one with 4 wheels. Then the engine can mount onto the stand in the normal way or via the bell housing with an adaptor plate if you want to shield the flywheel. Bolt in a couple of verticle mounts from the stand to either side of the engine and you can solid mount the engine. Then fit a control panel for switches and guages. Fit a cross brace at the front of the stand and a radiator, mines from a lorry so is huge! Sort out some headers and a silencer/exhaust system to keep things quiet.

Obviously I only use mine to start up and check for leaks etc. I don't rev it very much. I can move the stand out of the way when it's not in use or store an engine in it.