is it safe to
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,383
Likes: 419
From: N J
I am sure lots of guys have but I am not a huge fan. I like 4 grade 8 bolts with nice heavy washers, 1 in each corner of the motor, attached to an equalizer with a nice smooth crank, to balance things out during the lift. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,640
Likes: 287
From: Ann Arbor Michigan
That what I use. Those manifold plates scare me especially if it's a foreign made piece as it is only as strong as the weld.Gary
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3,558
Likes: 5
From: Oakland California
Pro
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 596
Likes: 6
From: Irving Texas
I worry about the guys that bolt the plate to their aluminum manifolds and then lift!
Imagine the entire weght of the block being supported by the little aluminum threads on the intake manifold carb base plate.
Imagine the entire weght of the block being supported by the little aluminum threads on the intake manifold carb base plate.
Instructor
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: tacoma wa
good question. no experience here using that method (chained 4 bolts with load leveler) when pulling engine and trans from mine. i was not willing to gamble body work.
maybe if you have alum intake, heads and no tranny, might not be a gamble there? i just dont want to clean up the aftermath. ugh!
maybe if you have alum intake, heads and no tranny, might not be a gamble there? i just dont want to clean up the aftermath. ugh!
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Pro
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 736
Likes: 1
From: Chester VA
I've used one for years, guess I'm a daring kind of guy 
It does make angling the motor and trans (yes I've pulled both together like this several times), as with a single hooking point you can tilt or angle it to clear the trans tunnel, radiator, etc. The one I have is THICK with several beads of thick welds with small gaps between them, that way if a weld cracks it doesn't split all the way down.
It does make angling the motor and trans (yes I've pulled both together like this several times), as with a single hooking point you can tilt or angle it to clear the trans tunnel, radiator, etc. The one I have is THICK with several beads of thick welds with small gaps between them, that way if a weld cracks it doesn't split all the way down.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
I wouldn't be worried about the plate, but I would be worried about pulling the threads out of the intake-especially an older aluminum one. Also it would see that angling it would be more difficult. I have always used a chain and a cherry picker or overhead hoist (preferred).
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
I used one for the first time about a week ago and it worked perfectly. I was installing an engine for a local engine shop and they made the lift plate and had used it many times.
I will admit (being the chicken that i am) I put my corner to corner chain on loosely just in case.
I will admit (being the chicken that i am) I put my corner to corner chain on loosely just in case.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
5/16" chain is probably strong enough...but 3'8" chain is better and safer, if there is a weak link.
Grade 2 bolts (5/16"-18) have a 'clamp' load rating of 1400 pounds (each) [5600 lbs. for 4 bolts]. 5/16" chain has a 'working' load limit of 1900 pounds; 3/8" chain has a working load of 2650 pounds. So, you can see that there is a large 'safety factor' for using such a lift plate. Again, the plate should be sturdy (1/4" steel or 1/2" aluminum construction) and the bolts should be torqued properly...about 12 ft-lbs. If each bolt takes torque OK, then there is no reason to worry about the manifold threads.
Grade 2 bolts (5/16"-18) have a 'clamp' load rating of 1400 pounds (each) [5600 lbs. for 4 bolts]. 5/16" chain has a 'working' load limit of 1900 pounds; 3/8" chain has a working load of 2650 pounds. So, you can see that there is a large 'safety factor' for using such a lift plate. Again, the plate should be sturdy (1/4" steel or 1/2" aluminum construction) and the bolts should be torqued properly...about 12 ft-lbs. If each bolt takes torque OK, then there is no reason to worry about the manifold threads.
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