Scottd

Im getting ready to pull the cracked Big Block out. I have the lifting plate that attaches to the intake manifold, but Ill be honest with you, I dont trust 500 LBS to 4 holes in an aluminum intake manifold. Is it better to pull off the intake and secure bolts to the heads and lift it out that way? Ive pulled a few small blocks before, but Im concerned about this extra weight. Ive always attached the chains directly to the heads. Any input from the pros?

MrJlr

I've pulled more than a few engines in my life and I ALWAYS lift from the heads

claysmoker

I've done it both ways. Never had one problem with either. Even a crappy grade 2- 5/16 bolt has a tensile strength of about 3900 pounds. With 4 of them you won't even come close to overstressing them.

Sometime back I purchased one of these: https://www.macscustomtiedowns.com/p...26/Accessories It works great!

Use whatever way you feel comfortable with.

7t9l82

i used to pull 2 intake bolts and lift from them, but really an aluminum intate will handle it just fine.

63mako

Measure the depth of the threads in the intake plus the lifting plate thickness and get close to full engagement bolts and snug them good. Do this on a regular basis with big blocks, especially if the trans is disconnected. Threads are way stronger than it seems with direct pull. Check the intake thread integrity first. If it is good your fine. Only #125 on each bolt.

hwcoop

no problems here
350


454

Scottd

I like the leveling device, but Ive always just adjusted my chain lengths accordingly. Given my garage space, it looks as if Im going to have to come at the car from just ahead of the front drivers tire. It looks like its going to be fairly straightforward, but Im sure the minute I clear the motor mounts and the engine starts swinging back and forth Im going to have a panic attack.

Gordonm

I have done both ways many times and never worried either way. The threads and bolts will take the weight. If you do use the heads no need to pull the I take. Use the bolt holes on the front or back of the heads. These work fine.

gdh

Used both ways with no issues.

Street Rat

You could use the intake plate as a lift point. Use a chain bolted to the heads also as a safety measure or backup incase of failure.

ezobens

I know that thousands of folks pull their engines using the carburetor mounting pad daily and I know the 5/16" threads x 4 will take the weight but I'm more concerned about any twisting force that may be exerted when pulling a motor and having the bolt heads snapping off. A straight pull is fine but how many of us twist and turn their motors to get them in and out without damaging something else in the process? I know I do!

With how my luck tends to run, I don't like to leave anything to chance when it comes to my personal safety- I'll take 3/8" or larger bolt over 5/16" any day.
I also worry about these 'air gap' style manifolds (especially the "made in China" variety). The runner material on some of those castings is so thin that I'm more worried about the top half of the manifold itself breaking off vs the bolts holding it to the lift.

To each their own but this is one of those areas that I feel you can never be too cautious.
Just my .02

Bob K

If your worried about bolt heads snapping try grade 8 bolts.

Bob K

Scottd

I went to Hazard Freight today and bought a load leveler. Its got 4 chain attachments so Im going to anchor to each corner of the head. I think this way will give me the most control.

68/70Vette

Load leveler and hoisting from the carb intake manifold bolts. 454 all cast iron engine. Done it once. Lifted from the intake manifold bolts on previous occasions. You really need a load leveler. I've always removed the engine with the bellhousing and trannie attached, so I need the load leveler.

another-user

i lift from the heads, but leave the intake on. just take out the 4 corner bolts on the intake and thread your lifting bolts into there.

ezobens

Using grade 8 hardware for anything related to engine lifting should be a given.
With that said, snapping the head off a 5/16" grade 8 is still a lot easier than a 3/8" grade 8.
Just sayin'

AzMotorhead

Heavier than your BB with a Muncie attached. Lift using a lifting plate in place of carburetor

ezobens

Nice 70' 442!
I always love a BB Olds but the 455 Olds weighs less than a BBC provided you are comparing apples to apples (IE comparing engines with same head and intake material).

70ZZ3 96LT4

I have the portion of a F4 Phantoms drag chute that connected to the F4 and connected to the chute at four points, I just connect it to the exhaust manifolds and lift the engine.

scrappy76

I agree. Seems everyone uses the intake plate whether big block or small block, but I also will stick with lifting my engines with the brackets that the factory used when installing the engines I have pulled and installed. i just feel more at ease.