Motor Stand Bolt Pattern

[Whiskeymike]

I'm looking to build a mount to an engine stand. One that would fit any engine stand. Is there a bolt pattern that I should go with that would be universal? I see the better engine stands are completely adjustable, some more than others.

I'm thinking that if I chose a standard chevy small block pattern that the mount would fit any stand out there.

 

[sz0k30]

Are you asking about an engine stand or an engine cradle? Engine stands are all adjustable. They are not engine specific. I don't understand what you are asking.

 

[iajonesy]

The tubing sizes are not all the same on engine stands so having one that bolts to a Chevy block doesn't mean it will fit any stand out there. Like Duck said just buy a good stand that will fit any bolt pattern by adjustment built into it.

Mike

 

[sberry]

I have used them where the mounting was holes drilled in a plate but I built the last one with adjustable arms.

 

[Whiskeymike]

Sorry I wasn’t clear. I’m building a mounting plate that I want to bolt on an engine stand. On the plates, i’m Welding on other pieces. In this instance, it will be short tubes to hang Jeep doors from, so I can wheel it out, lift door off Jeep and hang it on the stand, move to next door.

I like the engine stands because they are cheap and some fold away in a small footprint when not used. I’d like this mount to fit any engine stand, so I’m trying to figure out what bolt pattern to cut into the plate. Hence figuring a Chevy small block being one of the most common motors for garage work and therefore every engine stand should fit.

Any advice on the measurements for the bolt pattern? I don’t have a motor or a stand(yet) to measure from.

 

[Daveco]

Pick the stand that you like, make adapter to fit.



Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[SkinnyG]

As you said, almost all engine stands are totally adjustable. I would design the rack first. You may find that a simple rectangle/square bolt pattern will work better for you than one of a particular engine block. No matter the bolt pattern, as long as it's wide enough, any engine stand will likely be able to adapt to it.

 

[sberry]

I don't understand what sbc has to do with it?

 

[Whiskeymike]

Sorry, I seem to have over complicated the question. I was trying to figure out what bolt pattern I could cut into the plate that would fit any engine stand as I’ll likely make a half dozen of these for the local Jeep club I’m apart of. Figuring that a sbc was likely the most common engine, if I used that pattern, my plate would safely fit any engine stand.

I was hoping someone would say for example a 4 bolt 6.5” on center pattern would be safe for all engine stands and I could draw up my plasma cut file.

Not a big deal, i’ll check out a few stands and measure what they can adjust to and pick something in the middle of the range.

 

[stsmytherie]

IIRC most engine stands are designed around receiver tubes that accept a 2 3/8" OD tube.

I'd design my adapters for that. Simple enough to buy a length of tube, cut some lengths, and weld your jigs onto them. Way easier and more adaptable for moving from stand to stand than drilling holes for non-standard face plate designs.

Be sure to measure the receiver ID of your stand first to confirm, obviously.

 

[rsanter]

Short answer...
A slotted X pattern

Bob

 

[larry4406]

Here is the mount on my engine stand. I did not build this. 1" bar stock bent into a U-shape and bolted to the the arbor plate then a section of 1/2" black pipe at each of the bell housing bolt hole locations.

Same as sberry posted

 

[Whiskeymike]

Thanks guys

 

[bad_idea]

Do a Google image search and it will come up with schematics of the bolt pattern. I agree that a SBC is about the best engine to use for a bolt pattern, can't get much more common than that. Please post up some pics when you get this thing built. I have a jeep myself and am curious to see what you come up with. When I pull the doors I usually leave them laying in my lawn or lean them against the wall in the garage. Of course the paint on my jeep isn't that great.

 

[sberry]

Here is the mount on my engine stand. I did not build this. 1" bar stock bent into a U-shape and bolted to the the arbor plate then a section of 1/2" black pipe at each of the bell housing bolt hole locations.

Same as sberry posted

Yes, didn't have a close up pic but the same. I did make flat washers with ears bent over in to a U . Not sure how much difference it might make especially on common engines.

 

[matt_i]

I'd just choose something easy that you can remember, like, hole centers on an 8" square.

 

[ProGun3400]

I have an AC Delco engine stand in the shop. I can measure the pattern, take pictures, etc if you're still needing them? I'm really interested in this Jeep door rack you speak of. My niece has a Jeep with removable doors, my brother would probably appreciate this set-up to help remove/store the doors?

 

[ProGun3400]

Plate with arms collapsed for storage:

 

[ProGun3400]

Plate measures approx 10" W X 6" L X 1/2" thick. Slots are approx 3"

 

[ProGun3400]

Another

 

[ProGun3400]

And another

 

[ProGun3400]

About 1/2" plate that's stamped 1,000lbs, Could probably go thinner if only intended for holding a few doors?

 

[ProGun3400]

Not sure if you're trying to describe something like this? This is an adapter plate from Jegs. Not what I use it for but it's an adapter plate that allows a POB trans to be bolted to a Chevy engine or vice versa.

 

[ProGun3400]

Adapter plate used in conjunction with patient lift for lifting transmissions in/out of vehicle & onto bench...

 

[ProGun3400]

TH400 in the air

 

[Whiskeymike]

Awesome, much appreciated. I think I’ve got everything I need. I’ll post up pics when done.