Engine run stand and 230ci running.

[Lugnutz65]

I thought I'd share a success story. I bought a recently rebuilt (4K miles ago) 230ci from a guy who did a V8 swap. Looks brand new. I decided that building an engine run stand would be fun and useful. Fabrication took about 4 weeks of my free time and I used plans I bought on eBay. Fired that sucker up for the first time last night. WooHoo! Here's a video and some pics.
http://youtu.be/D6SZjZC-k_M

[68gmsee]

I've been keeping up with your posts since you bought the engine. Sounds good and a few adjustments to the carb, timing, maybe an HEI, it ought to purr like a kitten.

Awesome stand. I wouldn't mind building one like it if a 350 will go on it also. What plans did you get?

[Lugnutz65]

Originally Posted by 68gmsee

I've been keeping up with your posts since you bought the engine. Sounds good and a few adjustments to the carb, timing, maybe an HEI, it ought to purr like a kitten.

Awesome stand. I wouldn't mind building one like it if a 350 will go on it also. What plans did you get?

At work now but I'll post a link to the eBay plans and I'll also send you the designer's email in a PM. The run stand is actually designed for SBC and BBC too. He said i'm the first person he'd seen to put a L6 on the stand.
I will use an HEI and the rebuilt carb from my other engine. I have a Weber progressive 32/36 that I might try too. That's the main reason I built this stand. I personally own 3 inline engines that I need to test.

[TJ's Chevy]

That's awesome! Checked out the new video...sounds healthy! I am interested in the stand plans to.

[Lugnutz65]

Originally Posted by TJ's Chevy

That's awesome! Checked out the new video...sounds healthy! I am interested in the stand plans to.

Originally Posted by 68gmsee

I've been keeping up with your posts since you bought the engine. Sounds good and a few adjustments to the carb, timing, maybe an HEI, it ought to purr like a kitten.

Awesome stand. I wouldn't mind building one like it if a 350 will go on it also. What plans did you get?

Thanks for the comments. It was fun to build, but also a lot of work. It will outlive me and I can let my friends use it.
HERE is a link to the plans on eBay. I had to make small modifications. You'll need a good welder. I like the telescoping legs that add stability. MOST of all I like that it stores in a vertical position so it takes up very little floor space when not in use. These pics might give you a feel for how much work is involved.

Sorry about the sideways pics but it has something to do with my new computer. Haven't figured it out yet.

[DD1]

That's pretty cool! Nice job on the stand and getting the engine running. I really like the gauge panel you setup.

I just started a 350 engine that I had rebuilt 2 years ago, except mine is on the frame (no cab or anything). I think yours started up better than mine did; it took a few tries and correcting several mistakes.

[Lugnutz65]

Originally Posted by DD1

That's pretty cool! Nice job on the stand and getting the engine running. I really like the gauge panel you setup.

I just started a 350 engine that I had rebuilt 2 years ago, except mine is on the frame (no cab or anything). I think yours started up better than mine did; it took a few tries and correcting several mistakes.

I mounted my engine in the frame and did what you did the first time. My truck is now a driver and I really don't want to swap engines without checking out things. PLUS, I have 2 more engines to test on the run stand. Possibly even a 3rd engine. It just made sense to build a run stand and it was a fun project with a well thought out design.

[DD1]

How do you have the amperes gauge wired up? What are the terminals connecting to?

[Lugnutz65]

Originally Posted by DD1

How do you have the amperes gauge wired up? What are the terminals connecting to?

The amperes gauge is not hooked up. I really don't intend to for this engine because I'm gonna use the alternator from another engine.

[Lugnutz65]

Originally Posted by DD1

How do you have the amperes gauge wired up? What are the terminals connecting to?

About the gauges. Since this was just a run stand that might sit around and not be used for months at a time, I decided to go cheap. I bought the Harbor Freight triple gauge set. It was $15 out the door with a coupon. I didn't want the amperes gauge but installed it anyway. The big tach was a donation from a friend.

The HF gauges are OK for the price. Mechanical oil pressure. Capillary tube for the water temp. Both seem to work fine for the purposes of a run stand. I want to add a throttle cable so that I can maintain a steady idle at certain RPMs if needed.

[Marv D]

Not trying to 'one-up' anyone but ... WHY no radiator or fuel system, battery....???

I built a 'break-in' stand to do engine breakin and testing (just WISH it had a pump on the back of it ) I mean without a fuel supply and pump,,,, radiator and cooling fan your pretty limited in how long you can run. Not AT ALL what you'd want if your were inclined to do a flat tappet motor.

Won't contaminate the thread with pictures but,, most of the 'material' to make the frame and casters were,, umm 'gathered up' from a something left in an alley,, and added some 1-1/4" tubing to support stuff,, slaped an old Mallory ignition box on it for giggles and to support whatever ignition happens to be used. But it can handle most any motor I want to test fire or break-in.

http://www.small-block-chevy.com/ima...83_Jan1_16.JPG

http://www.small-block-chevy.com/ima...kin_stand2.jpg

http://www.small-block-chevy.com/ima...kin_stand3.jpg

[Lugnutz65]

Originally Posted by Marv D

Not trying to 'one-up' anyone but ... WHY no radiator or fuel system, battery....???

I built a 'break-in' stand to do engine breakin and testing (just WISH it had a pump on the back of it ) I mean without a fuel supply and pump,,,, radiator and cooling fan your pretty limited in how long you can run. Not AT ALL what you'd want if your were inclined to do a flat tappet motor.

Won't contaminate the thread with pictures but,, most of the 'material' to make the frame and casters were,, umm 'gathered up' from a something left in an alley,, and added some 1-1/4" tubing to support stuff,, slaped an old Mallory ignition box on it for giggles and to support whatever ignition happens to be used. But it can handle most any motor I want to test fire or break-in.

http://www.small-block-chevy.com/ima...83_Jan1_16.JPG

http://www.small-block-chevy.com/ima...kin_stand2.jpg

http://www.small-block-chevy.com/ima...kin_stand3.jpg

I think you missed seeing the video in the first post. I have a radiator, battery and fuel tank. I'm gonna change to a different fuel tank next run. This stand is intended to be used for break ins as well as other testing. Check out the video.

[Marv D]

I definitely did skip over the video. YUP makes perfect sense now.