pull plates vs. aluminum intake - recommended?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: The Valley of The Sun AZ
pull plates vs. aluminum intake - recommended?
What is the recommended method of lift attachment for a fully assembled long block with intake attached to a cherry picker? Is there a risk of stripping the bolts out of an aluminum intake with the weight of a SB using a puller plate?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Silver City NM
St. Jude Donor '05-'07
I wondered that same thing. Those are AWFULLY small studs to yank a heavy engine up on. I just yanked a complete big block engine out of my Vette, but I used Grade 8, 3/8 inch bolts on diagonal positions on the manifold-to head locations. They lifted it out no sweat.
Dep
Dep
Last edited by DJ Dep; Apr 5, 2005 at 01:21 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,672
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From: New Cumberland PA
I would be more likely to use a plate with a cast iron intake. I don't like to take chances. A long block has got to be in the 500lb range. That would put an average of 125lb on the aluminum threads.
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Race Director
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From: Foxfield CO 1970 Convertible
Originally Posted by CGGorman
What's the point of using a grade 8 bolt in cast aluminum?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 1999
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From: Raleigh North Carolina
I know that guys use those plates all the time.... but I will never use one. I guess if you calculate the physics of it, with perfect threads (on a 30 year old aluminum manifold ? pft!) maybe it's safe. Just can't bring myself to do it. I use a sling (and leveler) & bolt it to the heads or the block. RE: The aluminum heads... the thread size is usually 3/8-16 or 7/16-14. That's a big step up in size. Also... a "straight pull" on a thread (as in the case of a carb flange) is a lot different than a "shear force" (sideways). When you bolt to the heads, you are adding a shear factor and reducing the straight pull force. That makes a big difference.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: Eastern Connecticut
From an engineer's perspective, the plate is stronger. Four 5/16 bolts in tension are stronger than two 3/8 bolts in shear. Shear strength is half of tensile strength for steel. As far as aluminum, if the bolts are threaded in two and a half times the bolt diameter, the aluminum is as strong as the bolt. One and one-half times for cast iron. So don't worry about the plates. Joe
Team Owner
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From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
Originally Posted by tersian
Here's another angle. What if you have aluminum heads? Still use bolts in the accessory holes? Which holes? Any pictures?
I just use a chain from opposite corners on the intake side of the heads. I've had aluminum heads for years and I have to R&R the motor more than I'd like to.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 1999
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From: Raleigh North Carolina
Originally Posted by joe73vette
From an engineer's perspective, the plate is stronger. Four 5/16 bolts in tension are stronger than two 3/8 bolts in shear. Shear strength is half of tensile strength for steel. As far as aluminum, if the bolts are threaded in two and a half times the bolt diameter, the aluminum is as strong as the bolt. One and one-half times for cast iron. So don't worry about the plates. Joe
What if the aluminum threads are 30 years old and have been abused by Bubba? e.g.- wobbily studs even when screwed all the way in?
Race Director
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I use the lifting hooks that were installed on my 82 engine, if you can, get a set. They bolt to the manifold over the 2 manifold to head bolts that go in the waterpassage on the front & back, they are really sturdy steel pieces and easier to use that bolting down a chain.
Race Director
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From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
Originally Posted by joe73vette
From an engineer's perspective, the plate is stronger. Four 5/16 bolts in tension are stronger than two 3/8 bolts in shear. Shear strength is half of tensile strength for steel. As far as aluminum, if the bolts are threaded in two and a half times the bolt diameter, the aluminum is as strong as the bolt. One and one-half times for cast iron. So don't worry about the plates. Joe
Last edited by MotorHead; Apr 5, 2005 at 07:06 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: Eastern Connecticut
Originally Posted by Tom454
Cool... great post.
What if the aluminum threads are 30 years old and have been abused by Bubba? e.g.- wobbily studs even when screwed all the way in?
What if the aluminum threads are 30 years old and have been abused by Bubba? e.g.- wobbily studs even when screwed all the way in?
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,345
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Originally Posted by joe73vette
From an engineer's perspective, the plate is stronger. Four 5/16 bolts in tension are stronger than two 3/8 bolts in shear. Shear strength is half of tensile strength for steel. As far as aluminum, if the bolts are threaded in two and a half times the bolt diameter, the aluminum is as strong as the bolt. One and one-half times for cast iron. So don't worry about the plates. Joe
