engine test run stand
 

I plan to build a test stand to accommodate a SBC or BBC and also bolt up a powerglide as a way to load the engine. Not to test wide open against the converter but simply a light, varying load for a short time. To lock the Glide I am considering a driveshaft yoke without u-joint then pass a piece of solid rod through the yoke. The rod would have some type of secure catch.

Let me have your photos and thoughts.

Thanks

Re: engine test run stand
 

Why??? Too dangerous. The set up would require to be built to restrain lots of loading from the torque of the engine. If you add up the cost of building such a set up, and the amount of use, you would do more by spending the money at a reputable dyno facility.

Re: engine test run stand
 

SSEngineGuy -

I hate to dispel the myth, but it doesn't require anything to restrain an engine. Early in my life, I worked for a company that built jet-boat engine/pump combinations. The majority of the product was W30 spec Oldsmobile 455s with an occaisional 454-465hp Chevrolet. We ran every one of them to test for leaks and set the carb and timing. They were all run sitting on pallets unrestrained. You couldn't make one of them even shake the pallet, much less look like they would jump off.

Now when you attach that P'glide behind it with the yoke clamped tight, you best have some heavy straps!

Re: engine test run stand
 

Back in the 70's when I was working in an engineering program for the US Govt. we designed & built some HD run in stands for tank engines & transmissions. Basicly a big stand that held the engine/trans combo (power pack) & allowed us to run it throught the gears. We could also monitor fluid temps & pressures. It was great for leak tests. We were testing pull out units to see if we could determin their condition before assigning a rebuild code. All engines that were rebuilt were dyno tested. To put load on the engine it had a huge disc brake attached to the out puts of the trans/diff. package. They had a water spray system that was temp activated to keep them from overheating. Brake pressure controlled the load/silp of the brakes. I'm sure you could build a stand, but your yoke deal is a little too much for me. I would refine that a little.

Re: engine test run stand
 

Dragsinger, We made a stand like this from a stripped Camaro/Nova Subframe. After stripping it of everything but the motor mounts and the trans crossmember, we sandblasted it and then we positioned it ofer some cheapie (Harbor Freight) jackstands. We then put a stripped out block and trans case onto the frame with an intake manifold sitting on it. Then we took a level and set it on the carb surface and adjusted the jackstands until the thing was pretty level. Once everything was set, we welded the jackstands in place. After that, we installed an old Impala radiator onto it and a console was built out of 1 inch square tubing. I think one of my old friends still uses this thing 30 years later! Good luck!

Re: engine test run stand
 

Check Speedway.

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/p/6681...o=test%20stand

I think others also sell them.

Re: engine test run stand
 

There was a special on the one John gave the link to in Engine Builder magazine a couple of months ago.

Re: engine test run stand
 

I borrowed a stand from a friend to run in my stocker engine. This was huge time saver on breaking in the cam. We could "sneak" up on the valve springs and keep shimming up without leaning over fenders and working around the master cylinder. Time well spent building one, imo......

Wade O

Re: engine test run stand
 

My dad made one almost identical to the Speedway. He did not realize they were available on the market. His cost was nowhere near the name companies. It was very nice running in the engine for my 69 Z/28 on the stand. I did not want to lean over fresh paint,boy what a life saver. Perhaps the market has room for dads version after all. Design is simple but strength is the key. Four engines later and the run stand does not shake one iota. Save a can/bottle..recycle a delay box!

Re: engine test run stand
 

If your interested I have a brand new test stand in the box for chevys. Call me at work on Monday (516) 599-7182 Glenn.