Hello all, if you are thinking about an engine test stand, check www.metalmassfab.com. We just got our new web store running. Not trying to make a sale here, looking more for questions and comments. Customer feedback is how our test stands have evolved into their current state.  Engine Test Stands have been around a long time, but its rare to find one stand that will accomodate almost any automotive engine. By listening to comments and suggestions we were able to develope an extremely versatile test stand. One of our engine test stands fits Ford, Chevy, Mopar including Hemi, Even Flatheads. There are key design features built into every unit that allows almost any engine to fit. Basically, if the engine fits between the uprights on the stand, you can bolt 'er up. We also supply custum stainless steel motor mounts for 'non-typical' engines. More products soon, and suggestions or comments on the type of products are welcome too.  We even have a transmission adapter in the works that will allow engine/trans packages to be run, broken-in, checked for leaks, and installed in the car in short order. Thank you for your time, tell us what you think!  

Metal Massacre Fabrication
 

Don't you want to put a load on the engine during break-in?  

While you're at it, can y'all make a radiator mount that lets you slide the radiator in and lock it without using any tools?

My goal in hot rodding is to be able to design an engine bay that lets you switch an engine in under an hour.  

Don't you want to put a load on the engine during break-in?  
Hope you've got a minute....This is perhaps the most argued point about any test stand.  A carbureted engines initial startup is really what they are best for. Proper cam break-in procedure, timing and carb adjustments, leak detection. Loading the engine is a must for the rings seat or wear-in to the cylinder walls. Short term loading is best, so the oil is not heated to the point of break down...and glazed cylinders    
This is exactly why I joined this forum! We are developing a attachment for these stands that will place an operator-adjusted load on an engine. This way, you can start the engine, break-in the cam, and do multiple loaded pulls for optimum ring seal. Eventually, with a few sensors here and there, these test stands will even be able to give torque readings via a computor. Couple that with some nifty software, and you get a full on portable dyno package, which will be able to give 'real world' HP/TQ numbers. You will be able to dyno engines at their intended operating temp, instead of the 'ideal 160' that a normal dyno keep engines at. I think this is a good idea for engine tuning, and it will be nice to know what the engine is putting to the pavement, instead of the 'ideal scenario' numbers. Also, with the transmission adapter (almost done) these test stands will be extremely versatile. How about dyno'ing an engine/trans combo....see what kind of losses in the trans? Putting a load on the trans will make dialing, say, a 700R-4 quite simple. We've got tons of great ideas for these test stands, and the majority have come from people like you, so thank you for that. It is nice to get the same question or concern from different people, that usually means we need to do something about it! The 4-port radiators we build for these stands are the result of a customer asking if we could install one more inlet/outlet so they could run multiple engine types, and put a rubber cap over the 2 not being used. The picture below is what came of that request. Its a 4-port for Flatheads...with billet threaded, O-ringed hose necks and caps when running conventional engines (we do the standard crossflow versions too). Feedback on these test stands is extremely important, as these things are not mass produced for max profit. We build these one at a time, right here in the U.S.A. and we plan on doing this for a while!
 

Great idea, but GOOD GAWD ALMIGHTY! Nearly $800 to $1660 for a test stand?  No way in hell!

I am making a test stand from a 40" x 48" utility trailer from Harbor Freight.  It has an 860lb capacity, costs $145 and with another $200 I'll have a test stand that is just as useful and will be adapable to Ford, Chevy and MoPar engines.

I realize that not everyone is able to build their own stand, but surely there are cheaper ways.  

just for fun one day i had the bosses 383 sbc on the engine stand...he was napping in a near by car...i threw all the parts on it swung it around so the shorty headers were pointing right at where he was sleeping.... he thought the world was coming to an end....


i also think that the radiator support should be mounted on slip fit posts with pit pins to lock it down.  and probably on a narrower mount so you could put the headers and extention pipes on it without being in the way or needing to use flex tubing which is quite restrictive vs normal exhaust tubing   maybe even a rectangular single mounting point with legs that flip out to lean it agenst a wall and not have it fall over

the engine control panel should be on a swing away pivot off to the drivers side of the stand,,, and also aranged for header clearances... nobody  likes to stand in front of hot exhaust flows execpt maybe old time vw bug techs,,,

i also dont see a quick drain valve on the radiator and a cool water hookup to flush the motor with cool water incase of the need for a quick manifold or head pull