Lifting V-8 with a 'Lifting' plate - safe to use?

[bcovell]

Has anyone had experience with a 'Lifting plate' that attaches to the intake manifold in place of the carburetor? I am ready to replace the tired 302 in my FFR with a 351W and I have read that a Lifting plate will handle the weight of the engine with only 4 bolts in the carburetor flange of my aluminum edlebrock air gap.

thanks in advance for any feedback

[edwardb]

Yep. Used one for my Mk3 build, and have it bolted in place for my Mk4 build. Hope to drop the engine in the next week or two. As long as your manifold is bolted up properly, and you use the right length bolts (full thread) in the carb location, not a problem. The one I have says it's rated for 900 lbs, although I realize that's for the lifting plate itself.

Instead of a lifting plate, and if it really makes you nervous, some guys use a chain on each end of the engine (e.g. end of the heads) and an adjustable load leveler. This gives a little more control of the angle of the engine as you drop it in. Especially nice if you're by yourself or have limited help. But I've found with a little help and using the right hole in the lifting plate it's pretty OK.

[David Hodgkins]

Yep. Used one for my Mk3 build, and have it bolted in place for my Mk4 build. Hope to drop the engine in the next week or two. As long as your manifold is bolted up properly, and you use the right length bolts (full thread) in the carb location, not a problem. The one I have says it's rated for 900 lbs, although I realize that's for the lifting plate itself.

Instead of a lifting plate, and if it really makes you nervous, some guys use a chain on each end of the engine (e.g. end of the heads) and an adjustable load leveler. This gives a little more control of the angle of the engine as your drop it in. But I've found with a little help and using the right hole in the lifting plate it's pretty OK.

I agree. I've had several 302's in and out of my roadster and mustang, with the trans attached. I've never heard of a plate giving way from the intake.

:)

[CraigS]

The plate will hold the weight but an engine levelor w/ four chains to the intake bolts one in from the end on all 4 corners of the intake is a much better solution. The ability to change the angle of the engine really makes the job easier. If just pulling the engine, it makes it easy to keep the engine and trans in line. If pulling both, there really is no other way to get them out w/o a large angle.

[OVCobra]

Agree with CraigS...lifting plate will handle the load but the levelor makes the job so much easier. If you are doing engine and trans, levelor is the only way to tilt the engine enough IF you are doing on your own.

[Bob Cowan]

Some time back I saw a strentght test done on the plate. They bolted o the plate sing standard carb studs, and then bolted the intake down to something solid. I think it took several thousand pounds, and then the plate itself tore. Oddly enough, the carb studs were undamaged and held up fine.

[Robert Andrew]

I believe I purchased my engine leveler at either Harbor Freight or Speedway. It wasn't expensive and it makes the process a lot easier and more precise, so there is less collateral damage, scratches, etc. Use foam or padding to protect adjoining surfaces.

[SCFFR]

Definitely spend the money to get an engine leveler. I think I paid less than $40 for mine and would not have been able to install my engine/trans by myself without it. By using the leveler to get the right angle on the engine, I was able to get the engine installed in less than 30 minutes. To be honest, I can't imagine doing the install without one.

Ron

25185

[CHOTIS BILL]

A friend of mine had a engine leveler form Harbor Freight and said the lead on the adjusting screw was two fine and took a long time to adjust and it didn’t last very long. I have one from Speedway and it has a corser adjusting screw and I have never had a problem with it.

Bill Lomenick

[Tony Zullo]

I have used those plated a ton and never had a problem,And i also have a engine leveler from Speedway and it works great!!

[Dan Babb]

What if the cylinder heads are aluminum? Does that change the load capacity?

[edwardb]

What if the cylinder heads are aluminum? Does that change the load capacity?

Perhaps it changes the load capacity at some way out limit. But for purposes of installing/removing engines either the lifting plate or leveler are fine with aluminum heads. Probably there is even some trade-off due to the lighter weight, but again doesn't really matter.