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Technical Shop => Tools and Equipment => Topic started by: ScottSmith_Harms on March 20, 2017, 07:49:50 PM

Title: Engine Run Stand Designs
Post by: ScottSmith_Harms on March 20, 2017, 07:49:50 PM
Hi guys,

As you may know I am in the carburetor restoration business. Each carb is test run on a running mule engine before I return the finished job to the customer. My current test stand is a hodge podge of old junk and just isn't going to cut it any longer so time to upgrade.

I am seeking to construct a new one hopefully using a proven design in print form, or to buy one done or in kit form if it makes sense (I think Easy Run test stands look great but are cost prohibitive for me). I want something professional as it will be a long term permanent fixture in my new shop. I would like it to have provisions for a battery, radiator, control panel, etc. and be mobile and adjustable to Mopar small block, big block,or  Hemi without major modifications (I know, not asking much right!)

I appreciate your input!

scott
Title: Re: Engine Run Stand Designs
Post by: Cuda Cody on March 20, 2017, 07:59:30 PM
I've built a few stands now and the one thing I think I would do different next time to to make a combo run stand that can be adjusted to also be a K Member installation cart.  I've got a few ideas in my head on how best to make that work.
Title: Re: Engine Run Stand Designs
Post by: ScottSmith_Harms on March 20, 2017, 09:39:46 PM
That looks pretty sporty Cody! Is that Larry's Hemi?

I have a K-member stand from USCartool now and it does work great (However, I would like to see a re-design the portion that engages into the underside of the K-member). A combo of it and a run stand would be a cool option but for this run stand I will probably not need that option simply because the test engine will stay on it pretty much permanently unless I swap to a different engine etc. Maybe I need to plan for 2 stands instead of one :)
Title: Re: Engine Run Stand Designs
Post by: Cuda Cody on March 20, 2017, 10:36:46 PM
That is one of my Hemi's on my stand.  Not sure if I have a photo of Larry's Hemi.  :huh: 

I can get you more photos and measurements of the one I did.  Maybe that helps you come up with a design.  I just took an engine off of it so right now would be a good time to get close up photos. 


Quote from: ScottSmith_Harms on March 20, 2017, 09:39:46 PM
That looks pretty sporty Cody! Is that Larry's Hemi?

I have a K-member stand from USCartool now and it does work great (However, I would like to see a re-design the portion that engages into the underside of the K-member). A combo of it and a run stand would be a cool option but for this run stand I will probably not need that option simply because the test engine will stay on it pretty much permanently unless I swap to a different engine etc. Maybe I need to plan for 2 stands instead of one :)
Title: Re: Engine Run Stand Designs
Post by: soundcontrol on March 21, 2017, 04:24:26 AM
I borrowed this one from a friend, it was pretty small in size and easy to move around.

Title: Re: Engine Run Stand Designs
Post by: Cuda Cody on March 21, 2017, 07:55:39 AM
 :clapping:  Very cool.  Sounded good!

Quote from: soundcontrol on March 21, 2017, 04:24:26 AM
I borrowed this one from a friend, it was pretty small in size and easy to move around.

Title: Re: Engine Run Stand Designs
Post by: HP_Cuda on March 21, 2017, 11:27:34 AM
 (I think Easy Run test stands look great but are cost prohibitive for me)

Really? I think they are only like 2k to 2500 dollars. If you are going to use it over and over again I would think it would pay for itself.

Now going for Cody's idea might have merit but then you would have to build a rig that has attach points for a K-member. So basically it could be used for both a K-member stand and an engine run stand. Basically you would use it like a K-member stand until you want to fire it off and then drop in the piece which holds the radiator and controls and Voila!
Title: Re: Engine Run Stand Designs
Post by: ScottSmith_Harms on March 21, 2017, 05:13:48 PM
HP,

Well I should probably re state my initial comment. I can AFFORD an Easy Run, but so far I just don't see the added value between thier $2,500.00 price tagged design and other run stands for FAR less money. So my posting here is investigative, If someone can sell me on an Easy Run being that much better, maybe I'll go that way.

This Summit run stand is $499.00 and granted, lacking the frills of the Easy Run, but otherwise looks pretty decent for the money.  :dunno:
Title: Re: Engine Run Stand Designs
Post by: Cuda Cody on March 21, 2017, 05:27:05 PM
That would be hard to beat for $500.  I think I spend almost that on all my metal tubing and stuff. 

I'll go get some more photos of my stand for you.... stand by:
Title: Re: Engine Run Stand Designs
Post by: Cuda Cody on March 21, 2017, 05:48:21 PM
Mine is not going to win any awards for pretty, but it's built to hold any engine of any make or model and is very stout. 
Title: Re: Engine Run Stand Designs
Post by: Cuda Cody on March 21, 2017, 05:51:30 PM
I think I ended up with a 90's / 00's Ford radiator because it was cheap and had the same inlet / outlet hole and side location as Mopar.
Title: Re: Engine Run Stand Designs
Post by: ScottSmith_Harms on March 21, 2017, 06:17:40 PM
Cody, that design looks to be very well thought out and constructed. The Summit version looks pretty similar in several ways and it (or one similar to it in price range) may be a quick fix purchase. I always do a more extensive re-design towards a more versatile version, possibly one that incorporates a K member stand as you mentioned.
Title: Re: Engine Run Stand Designs
Post by: anlauto on March 21, 2017, 06:20:03 PM
I think Scott, you should just build a complete dyno room ! :stayinlane:
Title: Re: Engine Run Stand Designs
Post by: Cuda Cody on March 21, 2017, 06:28:37 PM
This is my dream to own one of these!   :inlove:
Title: Re: Engine Run Stand Designs
Post by: anlauto on March 21, 2017, 06:31:42 PM
I don't think there's a lot of your dreams Cody that you haven't followed through on.....I'm sure it won't be long before you build one :worship:
Title: Re: Engine Run Stand Designs
Post by: Brads70 on March 21, 2017, 07:49:41 PM
Quote from: Cuda Cody on March 21, 2017, 06:28:37 PM
This is my dream to own one of these!   :inlove:

I've had that some dream.... that and a chassis dyno too!  :drooling:
Title: Re: Engine Run Stand Designs
Post by: ScottSmith_Harms on March 21, 2017, 07:51:08 PM
Dyno room.....Yes, it's crossed my mind. No, I don't have the budget  :whiteflag:
Title: Re: Engine Run Stand Designs
Post by: HP_Cuda on March 22, 2017, 08:31:38 PM

That is definitely a route to go. Might be some issues around getting a cherry picker to drop it in there without running into the bottom braces. Headers can be a problem with that setup as well.

Have to add in gauges, battery, fuel tank, fuel line, radiator - maybe $500+ bucks so yeah it can work.


Quote from: ScottSmith_Harms on March 21, 2017, 05:13:48 PM
HP,

Well I should probably re state my initial comment. I can AFFORD an Easy Run, but so far I just don't see the added value between thier $2,500.00 price tagged design and other run stands for FAR less money. So my posting here is investigative, If someone can sell me on an Easy Run being that much better, maybe I'll go that way.

This Summit run stand is $499.00 and granted, lacking the frills of the Easy Run, but otherwise looks pretty decent for the money.  :dunno:
Title: Re: Engine Run Stand Designs
Post by: Chaos-N-Mayhem on April 02, 2017, 05:59:06 PM
Scott, there is a guy on eBay selling run stand plans. That might help you if you want to build one. I think the $6 or $7 bucks is worth so you don't have to start from scratch.

Cody, any chance you might be able to map out how you wired your run stand for a Mopar? Seems the internet is silent on our stuff for run stand wiring.
Title: Re: Engine Run Stand Designs
Post by: Cuda Cody on April 02, 2017, 06:05:29 PM
I ended up getting help from a few people when I designed it.  I think I have the wiring plans on my computer.... I'll look for it.

Quote from: Chaos-N-Mayhem on April 02, 2017, 05:59:06 PM
Scott, there is a guy on eBay selling run stand plans. That might help you if you want to build one. I think the $6 or $7 bucks is worth so you don't have to start from scratch.

Cody, any chance you might be able to map out how you wired your run stand for a Mopar? Seems the internet is silent on our stuff for run stand wiring.
Title: Re: Engine Run Stand Designs
Post by: Cuda Cody on April 02, 2017, 06:14:39 PM
As I was designing it I would change things and forget to update my drawing.  I know I have something wrong on this.  I don't have the Voltage Regulator shown and I run an alternator too.  Next time I get the run stand out I'll try to remember to finish this wiring diagram.

THIS ONE SHOWN IS NOT 100% done yet.
Title: Re: Engine Run Stand Designs
Post by: ScottSmith_Harms on April 02, 2017, 06:49:54 PM
Nice, very helpful Cody!

On a related note, I picked up my engine run stand today.......Thinking outside the box a little. It's a 413 Industrial engine with very low hours. It was used at a local ski resort as backup power for a ski lift and was rarely used. Has a heavy duty radiator, gauges, all the stuff required to run it, still has the date coded plug wires and belts! I only need to add a few externals that were removed and its ready to go! I will clean it up and paint it as well.

*I'm still going to buy a new run stand but couldn't pass this one up at $500.00
Title: Re: Engine Run Stand Designs
Post by: Cuda Cody on April 02, 2017, 06:54:40 PM
 :wowzers:  That is the coolest thing ever!!!   :lookatthat:  How did you find that beast?   You find some of the coolest stuff man.   :clapping:
Title: Re: Engine Run Stand Designs
Post by: ScottSmith_Harms on April 02, 2017, 07:13:51 PM
Just lucked into it on Craigslist today and raced over to grab it.  :banana:
Title: Re: Engine Run Stand Designs
Post by: anlauto on April 02, 2017, 07:16:06 PM
That's pretty cool :worship:
Title: Re: Engine Run Stand Designs
Post by: Bullitt- on April 02, 2017, 07:48:47 PM
GREAT SCORE Scott.....   :woohoo:



Wonder what one of these bad boys would run.


(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimage.popularhotrodding.com%2Ff%2Fhard-driving%2Fchrysler-hemi%2F31152707%2Fchrysler-victory-siren.jpg&hash=798f1e07ed3d66951e4fa1b0791793a19ee7f9ef)


Title: Re: Engine Run Stand Designs
Post by: ScottSmith_Harms on April 02, 2017, 08:46:08 PM
Yep a Hemi air raid siren would trump my little 413 that's for sure! Pretty cool to hear one of those going off, the one in that pic and a few others like it have made showings at Mopar shows over the years,they are CRAZY loud!
Title: Re: Engine Run Stand Designs
Post by: Chaos-N-Mayhem on April 02, 2017, 08:59:06 PM
Quote from: Cuda Cody on April 02, 2017, 06:14:39 PM
As I was designing it I would change things and forget to update my drawing.  I know I have something wrong on this.  I don't have the Voltage Regulator shown and I run an alternator too.  Next time I get the run stand out I'll try to remember to finish this wiring diagram.

THIS ONE SHOWN IS NOT 100% done yet.

That's awesome. There may be a couple smart folks on here who can help fill in the blanks on your diagram or give some alternative sets they may help add to this topic.
Title: Re: Engine Run Stand Designs
Post by: RUNCHARGER on April 02, 2017, 09:07:14 PM
There's no cure for this illness though, I'd want to restore that setup.