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Also depends what you want to do. I had the classic type - an AcDelco model I bought at the auto parts store. It swayed a little under the load of a 427, but held without problems. The good thing about this type is you can turn the motor over or work on the underside.
The other type is more of an egnine stand or dolly. It has four legs - one at each corner so it should be more stable, but it would be tough to work under the motor.
From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
Re: Engine stand recommendations (comp)
I got the 4 wheeled, 1000lb one from Jegs to work on my BB. The drip tray comes in handy too. Once the engine was ready for the clutch & tranny work, I bought this one which attached via the motor mounts and free's-up the tranny area.
The first one I purchased to hold my BB was a $125 rated at 1500lb generic one from the discount tool store. When letting down the cherry picker with my engine it sagged about 8" before snapping one of the main welds. Scared me and also made be feel sort of stupid for trusting the stand.
Took it back for a full refund and the guy didn't even act supprised.
Purchased a 750 lb rated one from NAPA for $149 and this one let the front of the engine sag about 1" and held it just fine.
My old, single leg engine stand was sagging under the weight of my new big block, and it was making me pretty nervous, so I recently replaced it with the 2 leg model that Summit sells for around $70. It's a great stand that's very stable and deals with the weight with no sagging.
I also have a short, 4-wheel engine dolly, but it attaches at the motor mounts and at the bellhousing bolt holes, so you can't install a tranny with it in place. My next purchase will be the stand that Len has above. Wish I knew about that one last year!
Bought a 1200lb one from JC Whitney and used it 2x for bb's with no problem. I picked upa 2'x3' cookie sheet drip pan from Pep Boys and screwed it to the bottom frame. Sure works better for the drips than the floor.