OK, so I really want to rebuild a 292. Mostly because I've never rebuilt an engine. And now I have a car to swap it in to once I'm done. I'm starting as a complete beginner. I've been reading every post on here for nearly a year now, I've read the "how to rebuild a y-block" book, and I've been waiting a long time to actually start a project like this. Of course, I'll probably have lots of questions, but I know there are a bunch of great people here to help.



I have what seems like a dumb question, but I've never seen an answer. I may have found an engine or five a couple hours east of me. But... how do I get it home? I have a 1970 Bronco - would it fit in the back? How easy would it be to load and unload? Could I safely transport it this way? Should I put a wooden pallet on the bed of the Bronco? Or maybe an old tire?



When shopping for an engine to rebuild, what should I look for? How do I get an initial check of the condition, before taking it home, tearing it down, and having the pre-rebuild tests done? What parts are especially important to get with the engine?



I know I'll need an engine hoist and an engine stand. Any recommendations there? I only have a tiny space left in my garage, but I've convinced myself it is enough for this.



I'm sure the veteran engine builders don't even think of this stuff any more. But just starting out, I'm not sure how to even get an engine home.



Thanks everyone!

Jim - Erie Colorado, 1957 Country Sedan

Jim,

I had to pick up a 312 here a year or so back and as I usually work on motorcycles the thought of moving a 500 pound engine was a little daunting.

At work I utilize a crane truck to set up projects and demobilize. A crane truck is a flattop truck with a hyab crane which will pick up 3-6 tonne depending on the truck and crane installed.  If you have one of these guys operating in your area it is quick and easy.

I could not use a crane truck as where I live has carports and limited access to my garage area. So beyond the lifting range of one of these trucks. I checked with local hire companies and found a ute, which I could drive, and it had a crane with enough capacity and swivel.

I picked up the ute drove 20km to the trucking company which transported the engine and unloaded at home and returned the ute to the hire company in less than 4 hours. I didn't even break a sweat. 

You could mess around with tripods and chain blocks but this was quick and easy.

cheers

Warren

   

Grizzly (Aussie Mainline)

Jim;

I think it would be really hard to get an engine in and out of the back of a Bronco since there is a roof over the top. I think at a minimum you could use the Bronco to tow a small flatbed trailer and put the motor on that or borrow a pickup. When you get the engine home how do you plan to unload it? Sooner or later you will have to either rent or buy an engine hoist and to work on the engine you will have to mount it on an engine stand. I have a 5x8 utility trailer with a ramp that I have used in the past for transporting complete engines on an engine dolly (with casters) which works pretty well. I also use my pickup for transporting bare blocks, but you need the engine hoist to get the block out of the truck. So, good luck and happy wrenching!

Rono

  Ron Lane,  Meridian, ID

Jim

     I'm with Ron, the Bronco seems like a no go. U-haul rents small flat bed trailers pretty cheep.  If you buy a hoist, consider the ones that fold up, takes up less room in the garage and can be handy for a number of uses, ( lifting transmissions, rear ends, even bodys), I even used t to move a milling machine and lathe.  I have used furniture dollys to set engines on to roll them around the garage. You can make a 2X6 rectangle to fit the outside edge of the oil pan to set the engine on to transport it in a truck or trailer. Make sure to STRAP IT DOWN! You don't want 500 pounds rolling around if you have to stop suddenly

Gary Ryan San Antonio.TX.

Well I"ll say the Bronco will work as long as you have a fold down tailgate.

It will be no picknic.

Ultimately you are going to need an engine hoist.A cheapie break down/collapsable style from Harbor Freight will get you started or borrow one.

Your going to need some upper area  clearance for the boom arm of the hoist to allow the engine to initially rest on the tailgate.Make sure the hoist chain is as short as possible to do the job.

Take some smooth plywood to cover your tailgate and the rear cargo area where the engine will ride.Put a cheapo tarp down over the plywood as you know its a dirty greasy item.

 Once you hoist the engine onto the tailgate-two guys should be able to push and slide the engine on the plywood and into the cargo area for the trip.

Do the reverse once you get it home.A hoist is absolutly necessary.Look on Craigslist for a cheapo used.

Oldmics

We've loaded and unloaded engines from my friend's VW Vanagon many times, from flat fours, and in line fours, to big block v8s. I can't imagine that a bronco will be any more difficult. One thing to consider, though is will you have to bring the hoist along and is there enough room for the hoist and engine.



At least make sure the engine turns over. Engines which are seized can have any number of surprises. It's good if you can do a compression test and it's ideal if you can actually hear it run but if it simply turns over without any weird noises, it's probably a good candidate.



Get a folding stand and hoist. They usually cost a bit more but save a lot of space when folded.


Lawrenceville, GA

Last time I transported Y short Block in my '89 T-Bird's trunk with only minor damage.


Hyvinkää, FI

Jim

You asked about engine stands so for what its worth. I think you should only consider an engine stand with four wheels not the cheaper three wheel version. The Yblock engine will weigh closer to 600 lbs and when attached to the stand is unstable. You will need to rotate the engine on the stand to disassemble and then rebuild so do not try to save on this item. Engines are bulky, dirty and the exhaust manifolds are cast iron and easy to crack. When you check out the core engine you want to inspect it well. Anything missing will cost a lot more. Check that the oil pan will fit your cars crossmember, cars and trucks are different.

Before you start check what the total cost will be vs buying a running engine. Good luck Pete

Any adjustable nylon webbing straps you can find to anchor down the engine when you transport you can will improve the chance of it sliding or rolling. IT HAPPENS ALOT!

Also when you get it out or home. You can have a temp wood cradle made for it with casters OR I bought those welded engine pair o' legs off of someone on EBAY. can't remember the name sorry. I added casters. Pretty handy for scooting it out the way, but not so much for working on. That's where your 4 wheeled engine stand comes in. And I always use my foldable engine hoist to do all the minor heavy lifting too. Handy for taking the heads off and saving your back. Sorry, I'm not 18 anymore!



here's a pic of the stand

       A  L  A  N   F  R  A  K  E  S   ~  Tulsa, OK    

Space to work is relevent. Back in the early 60's I rebuilt a Y-Block in the trunk of a 51 Pontiac convertable. It was December and we were at my friends dad's shop but with one bay he wouldn't let us inside. When our fingers got so cold we couldn't pick up tools we would go inside and warm up.

Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire