Advice on Engine Hoist

[Tom W.]

I plan to remove my original 40 yr old engine & transmission as a unit.
It's a 1971 350/270 with an M20 trans. The trans crossmember is not removable. Looks like having the car on jackstands will help to tilt the whole unit when removing.

I'd appreciate any advice on the brand or size of Engine Hoist to use for this project. There are lots of hoists to choose from (both new & used) but I'd prefer to find one that will make the job easier based upon feedback from you Corvette veterans.
Thanks in advance, Tom

[Paul J.]

Re: Advice on Engine Hoist

I assume that you want a portable hoist that can roll around and not one that hangs over the car. Cheap hoists like those at Harbour Freight work as well as the more expensive ones. Be sure that the legs extend beyond the end of the hoist, or at least as far as the end. You'll want this stability, especially when you're pushing and shoving to get the engine back in. If this is a one time thing, you might want to consider a used hoist, which you would re-sell after you're through. Also check your friends, they might have one that you could barrow.

[Larry M.]

Re: Advice on Engine Hoist

You might also want to check with the Equipment Rental stores in your area. Many years ago, that was how I got access to hoists to pull my car engines. Later, I bought my own. The rental units I remember were very high quality units.

Larry

[Paul J.]

Re: Advice on Engine Hoist

You might also want to check with the Equipment Rental stores in your area. Many years ago, that was how I got access to hoists to pull my car engines. Later, I bought my own. The rental units I remember were very high quality units.

Larry

Great idea! I completely forgot about that.

[Tom P.]

Re: Advice on Engine Hoist

Would you like to borrow ours, it's pretty sturdy?

[Joe L.]

Re: Advice on Engine Hoist

I plan to remove my original 40 yr old engine & transmission as a unit.
It's a 1971 350/270 with an M20 trans. The trans crossmember is not removable. Looks like having the car on jackstands will help to tilt the whole unit when removing.

I'd appreciate any advice on the brand or size of Engine Hoist to use for this project. There are lots of hoists to choose from (both new & used) but I'd prefer to find one that will make the job easier based upon feedback from you Corvette veterans.
Thanks in advance, Tom

Tom------


With the vast majority of available engine hoists, purchased new, used, or rented, you will have to do the engine removal and re-installation with the hoist positioned from the SIDE of the car. I doubt that you'll find a hoist that will work from the front of the car (as hoists are usually used). That's because a Corvette just has too long of a nose. Even with the hoist boom at the fully extended position, it won't be enough reach for a Corvette. So, you use the hoist from the side and use the casters to move the hoist sideways. You will need to remove one of the front wheels to do this and may need to reposition the jackstand once during the removal and installation process.

So, what about a hoist with an extra-long boom? Well, I think there are some out there but they are very large and expensive to purchase. Rental outfits usually don't have them since they are much more difficult to transport. You see, in order to have an extra-long boom, they also need to have extra-long legs (for stability). A longer boom needs to be much heavier for strength at full extension and the hydraulic ram needs to be bigger. So, you end up with a very large hoist.

[Joel T.]

Re: Advice on Engine Hoist

Tom------


With the vast majority of available engine hoists, purchased new, used, or rented, you will have to do the engine removal and re-installation with the hoist positioned from the SIDE of the car. I doubt that you'll find a hoist that will work from the front of the car (as hoists are usually used). That's because a Corvette just has too long of a nose. Even with the hoist boom at the fully extended position, it won't be enough reach for a Corvette. So, you use the hoist from the side and use the casters to move the hoist sideways. You will need to remove one of the front wheels to do this and may need to reposition the jackstand once during the removal and installation process.

So, what about a hoist with an extra-long boom? Well, I think there are some out there but they are very large and expensive to purchase. Rental outfits usually don't have them since they are much more difficult to transport. You see, in order to have an extra-long boom, they also need to have extra-long legs (for stability). A longer boom needs to be much heavier for strength at full extension and the hydraulic ram needs to be bigger. So, you end up with a very large hoist.

Joe is correct, as usual... The inexpensive and rental units are typically too short to remove the engine from the front, so you need to take it out over the side... I did this with my 1963 once and it scared the crap out of me... I went on the internet and found one, on wheels, with a boom long enough to pull from the front... Think of it as cheap insurance... They are out there.. Measure from the center of the engine (intake) to the tip of the front fender to see just what you need, and keep in mind that the lower legs need to be extended to the same length as the boom. I never took everything out as a unit.. I drop the tranny and strap the back of the engine to keep it level. When I pull the motor I lift it straight up and then roll the car back out of the way.... minimizes swinging!

I have one sitting in my garage here in NJ.. it is certainly available to you if you are in my area....

Good luck,

Joel

[Joel T.]

Re: Advice on Engine Hoist

Tom,

PM sent,

Joel

[Tom P.]

Re: Advice on Engine Hoist

Many years ago, I built an A-frame for lifting engines, etc. It is 100% bolted together so that when not in use, it can be disassembled and stored in a rather compact area. It has rather large, heavy duty swivel casters which permits manuvering in all directions. I bought a 1300lb capacity elec hoist with a hand held controler for the wench from Harbor Freight. This really makes raising/lowering very easy and precise.







The new engine is ready to replace the old engine.

[Tracy C.]

Re: Advice on Engine Hoist

....
I'd appreciate any advice on the brand or size of Engine Hoist to use for this project. There are lots of hoists to choose from (both new & used) but I'd prefer to find one that will make the job easier based upon feedback from you Corvette veterans.
Thanks in advance, Tom

I prefer a chain hoist or electric winch on an "A" frame on wheels. This maximizes access to the car on the floor. If you don't have an "A" frame, you can always do it "Arkie style" and use a large branch on one of your shade trees to attach hoist to.

[Mike S.]

Re: Advice on Engine Hoist

ac delco has a engine hoist part#ac 34132 O'Reilly auto parts sells. I used on my 71 works great. it has caster wheels and will side sideways.works great from side of corvette .Mike

[Domenic T.]

Re: Advice on Engine Hoist

Another safe way is to take the bellhousing bolts out and move the engine forward a few inches and then up.

When I am alone that works best.

DOM

[Jack H.]

Re: Advice on Engine Hoist

Many years ago, I built an A-frame for lifting engines, etc. It is 100% bolted together so that when not in use, it can be disassembled and stored in a rather compact area. It has rather large, heavy duty swivel casters which permits manuvering in all directions. I bought a 1300lb capacity elec hoist with a hand held controler for the wench from Harbor Freight. This really makes raising/lowering very easy and precise.




The new engine is ready to replace the old engine.

Hmmmmm...my kids have outgrown the swingset in the back yard...hmmmm...with a little rework to make it more easily disassembled, it could be transformed for new life.

[Paul J.]

Re: Advice on Engine Hoist

Tom, you can't beat a chain hoist. It's the safest way to remove an engine. Note the leveler in Tom's pictures and the picture below. It is a big help.

Paul

[Michael F.]

Re: Advice on Engine Hoist

Yes the above hoists are better. But a $300 (Price of lumber is crazy now days) chinese hoist gets the job done just fine.

The engine is easiest to remove with the car on level smooth ground. Then you can roll it as you lift the motor. When re-installing, just use a small floor jack to raise the trannny to the crossmember.

Helps to have to extra hands to roll the car and keep an eye out while you jack the motor.