Small block on engine stand backwards

[Crash520]

Guys, would you think I could hang a small block with crank installed off an engine stand by the front of the block?? We always hang it by the bellhousing bolts normally but I want to hang the bellhousing to dial in the offset dowl pins

[Cuda Cody]

I've never tried it.  Could you just set the offset dowel pins while it's off the engine stand?

[Dakota]

Greg - I'm having trouble picturing what you would use as mounting points if you're bolting the front side of the motor to an engine stand.  I haven't gone out and looked at my motor, but every spot I can think of would involve threading into something on the face of the motor rather than going through a hole like you can on the backside (and yes, I get nervous any time I'm using a lifting plate bolted in where the carb is mounted).  When I installed my bellhousing offset pins, the engine was in the K member sitting on the floor, but the motor could've just as easily been dropped on a couple of old tires, maybe held upright by keeping the engine lift connected.   

I'm not saying your proposed approach is a crazy idea - it's just something that I've not come across before.

BTW - it's MUCH easier to do the measurements for the offset pins using a small face (1 inch diameter) dial indicator. 

[dodj]

Not that I've done it, but I'm thinking you would have to make a plate that bolted up to the timing chain cover holes then attach the engine stand arms to the plate?

[RUNCHARGER]

I wouldn't. I would fab up a box cradle using 2X8 wood to run along the pan rails to steady the assembly. Then I would use an engine hoist to lower the assembly into the cradle. I would leave the engine hoist hooked up for extra safety while setting up the runout.
I just did this one hanging on the chain with some wood under the pan but building a cradle would only take a few minutes.

[Crash520]

Thanks guys, yeah I'm nervous about bolting the engine stand onto the front of the block, I think I've worked out another solution 👍👍👍, thanks Dakota, I have a DTI set up on the back of the crank to inside the oil pump housing recess on the trans housing.