Engine lifting plates

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Thu Sep 06, 07 10:45 am

Hi,

Does anyone have much experience of using engine lifting plates ?

These appear to bolt to the carb pad and are used to lift the engine.

I am interested in how easy it is to get the engine and box to swivel to clear the bulkhead, and the capacity of the plate (seems like four awfully small bolts to lift 1000 odd lbs of engine and box to me) ?

The 428 is missing its factory lift eyes and a lifting plate was recommended, but I am a bit concerned about capacity. Has anyone lifted a big block MoPar V8 and box using one, and are there any recommendations ?

Thanks in advance.

All the best

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Thu Sep 06, 07 10:59 am

Sandy, not sure about home made plates, as I would expect these to suffer from varying degrees of quality. Not sure if I would have faith in one with the gearbox AND the engine, but I know Neil was advertising these a while back so they must be tried and trusted???

I am sure someone will be along to verify.

I always used a chain from rear of left head to front of right.

Blue · Post by **Blue** » Thu Sep 06, 07 11:11 am

I've been using a home made lift plate for the last year so. I've lifted complete all iron big blocks with the trans on easily enough, but I've only installed the engine on it's own using one. Due to height restrictions I had to use the lift plate attached directly to the cranes hook which makes maneuverability difficult and you can't lean the engine back by much without the front of the engine hitting the cranes boom when you have it lifted up high. A length of chain between the two would help a lot, and I think you would be able to fit an engine and trans complete that way easily enough as it naturally hangs at an angle. I too was a little wary of all that weight on those four small studs but in shear they are strong enough. I must admit I still grit my teeth a bit when lifting an engine from an aluminium intake manifold mind...

Pete · Post by **Pete** » Thu Sep 06, 07 11:34 am

They are brilliant - hold the motor level every time

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Thu Sep 06, 07 4:23 pm

Cheers.

Does anyone have pictures of an engine on one going in or out ?

I believe you can also get leveller bars which are a good thing for a hoist.

All the best

Kev · Post by **Kev** » Thu Sep 06, 07 5:08 pm

Back in the day! May2003!

Dave-R · Post by **Dave-R** » Thu Sep 06, 07 8:40 pm

Load leveler. Never used one myself.

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/produ ... ine-stands

Having used a crane to lift V8s out on at least 6 occasions I am now a total convert to the "lift the body up instead" camp.

Of course I don't know if that is possible on a Ford or not. But if it is easy to drop the gearbox i would play safe and drop that (or support it in place) while removing the engine by itself.

Take as much weight out of the engine as you can first too. Including fluids.

Pete · Post by **Pete** » Thu Sep 06, 07 9:37 pm

I will clarify - have only lifted a (full) engine with a plate; I would not be brave enough for the motor, convertor & trans in one hit - also the balance would be completely out. This may actually assist you clearing the fire wall, but I agree with Dave that lifting the body seems to be a safer option. Mind you, I bet you have to lift it pretty high, which poses thenext challenge.

Jon · Post by **Jon** » Thu Sep 06, 07 10:04 pm

those four awfully small bolts will have a breaking strain of several tonnes as long as they're tight...you should be able to lift the car with it....

a pound to the first one who tries

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Thu Sep 06, 07 10:44 pm

Kev wrote:Back in the day! May2003!

Kev

JohnR · Post by **JohnR** » Thu Sep 06, 07 11:15 pm

Plates no problem if you put an eye bolt through it and use a small shackle you can lift it with an crane and get plenty of clearance and yes I have lifted the whole car cause I forgot the engine mounting bolts only with a small block but I have used it with 440 and trans and its fine

Dave-R · Post by **Dave-R** » Fri Sep 07, 07 9:57 am

Pete wrote:Mind you, I bet you have to lift it pretty high, which poses thenext challenge.

Here is mine. As you can see, most of the trans slides under before you even start lifting. Even with the heads on the car only has to come up a foot.

All the weight is nice and low. So everything is more stable. And safe.

Dave-R · Post by **Dave-R** » Fri Sep 07, 07 10:00 am

Thinking about it. You would probably have to lift the car higher just to fit the headers normally.

Pete · Post by **Pete** » Fri Sep 07, 07 10:06 am

Like that approach

mad machs · Post by **mad machs** » Fri Sep 07, 07 11:14 am

The 351 Cleveland came from the factory with these dandy little lift plates, they're only secrured on by the exhaust manifold bolts but are right on the centre of gravity so engine installation is a doddle.

Unfortunatly most Clevelands lost these when headers were fitted, usualy in the early 80's by a bloke called Stan