Looking for engine test stand or plans
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 429
Likes: 2
From: Oak Ridge NJ
Looking for engine test stand or plans
I see the basic test stands for roughly 500 bucks (plus ship) and looking to find a used one in the Northeast area for pickup (New Jersey). If I cannot find a used one I will be forced to buy one new, or build my own. Does anyone have any information? I'd like to test my 350 before I drop it in my 76.
Mike
Mike
Pro
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 735
Likes: 1
From: Harleysville PA
If you are doing a frame-off, you can just test it on the frame. Thats what I did to break in the motor. If you don't have a frame to work with, I would just have a local shop that has a dyno break it in for you. I was quoted $7-800 to have my engine dynoed a few years ago.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3,079
Likes: 315
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Do you plan on rebuilding engines often? I mean, I borrowed a hoist twice and modified a Northern Tool engine cradle, but that is as far as I wanted to invest in tools. The engine shop with a dyno can break in the engine and seat the rings properly, check valve lash, play with the carb a little and then do a few power pulls. You should also end up with at least a chart of tabulated data for your $600-$800, which I plotted on a graph. Like you, I wanted to make sure there were no problems before installing the engine in the car. I also wanted my rebuilder to show me what he did, so I was there watching him and the engine shop that he contracted with for the break-in and test. The only problem we had was my rebuilt points distributor wasn't up to the task at hand, so we had to use an HEI from the shop. Other than that, no runs...drips...or errors.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 429
Likes: 2
From: Oak Ridge NJ
Thanks for the feedback.. I looked around North Jersey and can't seem to find anyone with a shop who could test my engine and get it running with possibly a few pulls on the dyno. I figured I'd do it myself with just a stand. I don't want to install this engine in the car for fear the lifters are not adjusted properly and getting into a situation where I have to pull the valve covers and screw up the fresh paint with oil flinging everywhere... Can anyone recommend someone in Jersey to mount this engine on a test stand and run it? It really doesn't have to be placed on a dyno..
Mike
Mike
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,877
Likes: 13
From: Doha
St. Jude Donor '08
Do you plan on rebuilding engines often? I mean, I borrowed a hoist twice and modified a Northern Tool engine cradle, but that is as far as I wanted to invest in tools. The engine shop with a dyno can break in the engine and seat the rings properly, check valve lash, play with the carb a little and then do a few power pulls. You should also end up with at least a chart of tabulated data for your $600-$800, which I plotted on a graph. Like you, I wanted to make sure there were no problems before installing the engine in the car. I also wanted my rebuilder to show me what he did, so I was there watching him and the engine shop that he contracted with for the break-in and test. The only problem we had was my rebuilt points distributor wasn't up to the task at hand, so we had to use an HEI from the shop. Other than that, no runs...drips...or errors.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3,079
Likes: 315
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I did a search of "engine dyno new jersey" and watched a youtube video of some guy having his 327/350 broke in and tested somewhere in NJ. I am sure there are a few small-time engine shops who are not into mega-hp drag racing and charging mega bucks for their engines. Spend a little time investigating and making a few phone calls. Otherwise I am sure some NJ forum members will chirp in. Good luck.
