Anyone test run engine on engine stand?

[WikedCharger]

I've got a 440 and two 383 engines that I'm looking at for my Charger. I would like to see how each one runs...especially the 440. Each is on a heavy duty engine stand (the kind with the foldable legs that is more stable). I'm wondering if anyone has ever started a big block mopar on an engine stand? I did buy the bracket that lets me bolt a starter to the block without the transmission. Just wondering if this would work? Might seem sketchy with just 4 bolts in the back of the engine holding it up. I did use Grade 8 bolts. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[T Brashears]

We built a stand for mopars, but I recently built a Pontiac and we ran it on an engine stand. My buddy built a support for the front and it worked well.

 

[70rrclone]

I would not start it on an engine stand. Too much can go wrong. I built a small stand and hooked the trans to the engine for test runs.

 

[70rrclone]

.

 

[ruffcut]

I've run them just sitting on the floor, but just idling.

 

[Sam69sat]

One of these would probably work. Should be easy and safer than an engine stand plus good for storage.

How I Made My Engine Dolly

nice work!

www.forabodiesonly.com

 

[70rrclone]

 

[1 Wild R/T]

So, what exactly are you gonna learn by running an engine on a stand... No load so it would have to run pretty bad to not rev freely... No way of knowing how much HP/TQ the engine is making.. Not much useful info can be found on a stand...

 

[BeepBeepRR]

 

[CarolinaCharger]

I built a run stand to test engines on. I think oil pressure is important info as is any knocks or pings. I like to know if an engine is ready to be installed or if it needs attention.

 

[BigHemi]

I have a test stand I built out of scrap laying around the shop. Uses an old 4 speed belhousing.
If you can keep it from rocking side to side on an engine stand, that will be fine.

Many benefits from running one on a test stand. Making sure the vitals are all OK, checking for leaks, retorqueing cylinder heads after some heat cycles, etc.
Changing valve springs after cam break in is much easier too.

 

[gkent]

They can be run on an engine stand. But if you're going to break it in at 2000 rpm for 20 minutes I wouldn't advise that !! About all you can achieve on a stand is to find leaks.

 

[gkent]

No way of knowing how much HP/TQ the engine is making.

So what !! If its not a race motor, who cares! A strong street motor will either run well or it won't. If you're confident you built it right is it really worth spending $500 for a dyno session - which is pointless unless you brought a trunkload of different parts to swap and test. Just don't lie too much if someone asks how much hp the motor has. My usual reply is "enough to make you **** your pants".

 

[gkent]

 

[WikedCharger]

As mentioned above, I'm only looking to see how well the engine idles, what the oil pressure is, the vacuum, if there are any leaks and if the engine smokes or knocks. It's not a race engine, just a used 440. Right now I want to get the Charger moving and I don't want to drop an engine in if it needs a bunch of work. I thought about buying an actual engine test stand but it's pointless since I'm not building lots of engines and I'm not breaking them in. Just want to make sure it idles ok. Thanks to those who left positive comments.

 

[Don Frelier]

As mentioned above, I'm only looking to see how well the engine idles, what the oil pressure is, the vacuum, if there are any leaks and if the engine smokes or knocks. It's not a race engine, just a used 440. Right now I want to get the Charger moving and I don't want to drop an engine in if it needs a bunch of work. I thought about buying an actual engine test stand but it's pointless since I'm not building lots of engines and I'm not breaking them in. Just want to make sure it idles ok. Thanks to those who left positive comments.

Might want to do a compression check first.
That should tell you quite a bit.

 

[WikedCharger]

I would need to be able to spin the engine over to do that. Not sure if that's possible on the engine stand.

 

[Don Frelier]

I would need to be able to spin the engine over to do that. Not sure if that's possible on the engine stand.

You said you had an adapter to mount the starter.
If that's the case you should be able to do a compression test.
You could do it on the floor if need be.

 

[BeepBeepRR]

I would not start it on an engine stand. Too much can go wrong. I built a small stand and hooked the trans to the engine for test r

You said you had an adapter to mount the starter.
If that's the case you should be able to do a compression test.
You could do it on the floor if need be.

The only way to do it on a stand is which is a flywheel and a starter adapter. For a big block anyhow. I mean you wont be getting a torque converter on one.