Hi all. I should be picking up my engine from the machine shop in the next couple weeks. I delivered it to the shop sitting on an old tire ratchet strapped to a skid. It's gonna look like a new crate engine when I pick it up so I don't want to get it all marred and scratched bringing it home. Got any suggestions? I was thinking about building a 3x3x3 plywood or OSB box sitting on a skid and filling it with styrofoam peanuts or rags or shredded cardboard or some combination thereof and dropping the engine in the box for transport. Maybe also with a 2x4 crossmember at the bottom of the box cover with rags or whatever to sit somewhat level on the oil pan. I also thought about just bolting it to an engine stand and strapping it all down but I am afraid of bumpy roads stripping or shearing where it's bolted to the stand.
I usually use 2 by 8's to make a short base the engine can sit in. The engine sits on the oil pan rails. Depends on the engine, may take a router or jigsaw to custom fit the upper edges of the wood to the pan rails. Be creative with some long threaded bolts and nuts into the threaded holes in the ends of the heads. Strap it down in the truck using those bolts to not mar your new paint. If needed, you can use a couple pieces of 2 by 8 to make outriggers with casters on them to make it easier to roll the engine around in the garage until needed.
Good suggestion. I was thinking I could go ahead and buy the new motor mounts and temp install them on the engine and lag bolt to the 2x's as well. Thanks.
Engine cradle, probably around $40 or so and if you're lucky, you'll get one with wheels. P.S. - Buy one that is small block Ford specific. When you're done, either keep for future use, or sell it for near what you paid. Look at harbor fright.
Didn't know they made those. Just looked it up, they sure do. That looks like the best option. Thanks!
I ordered these. No casters 'cause I already have a flat dolly I can set it on. Looks like clearance for the oil pan sump to the floor will be iffy so I may secure each side to a 2x before I go get the engine. It's be more steady that way if I make some long 2x4 "feet" anyway. Thanks for the suggestions.
