Picking up a 400-600lb engine

**arthur92710** · 12-20-2010, 12:09 AM

I want to make an engine table. Found one on ebay thats not to far. Its a chevy 305ci v8. I read that they are about 400-600lb. How to I bring it home? I will be taking the minivan of course, so that is not a problem. How will I lift it into the back? I dont think that two of us will be able to lift it, damn I weigh only 140lb.

Im thinking about strapping a few tow cables on it and dragging it home.

**NickS VR4** · 12-20-2010, 12:21 AM

Does he have a cherry picker? Do you? I wouldn't drag it home. Are you picking up a complete engine, or just the shortblock? If anything, do you have some boards and a dolly?

**arthur92710** · 12-20-2010, 12:28 AM

The block, pan, crank, rods, piston, balancer and heads.
Yeah, I have some boards and dolly.
I also have a ramp to drive the car onto. Could push the dolly onto the ramp then flip the engine into the back.

**j2k4** · 12-20-2010, 11:48 AM

Take a 1/2 inch drive set with you and break it down.

A bare SB chev block can be handled fairly easily, even by your average 140 guy, I would think.

Your gonna have to do it to make your table, right?

**Austin@STM** · 12-20-2010, 12:08 PM

I see your in NY, whereabouts are you? Maybe i could lend a hand.

**Atrosity** · 12-20-2010, 01:29 PM

When putting it into your van be sure to lift all the weight with your back and not your legs at all.

:Lol:

**stealthee** · 12-20-2010, 05:23 PM

My dad and I picked up a 302 Ford one time. I was not that strong at all at the time. It sounds heavy, but I bet if you take a friend with you and have the guy you are buying it off of help it wont be a problem. I dont see it being a problem even for two people unless you are both complete wimps.

**Roybatty** · 12-20-2010, 05:36 PM

That's a lot of weight. I think my sister is about 135, and I wouldn't want her near a weight like that. When I was into lifting, I could squat close to 3 plates on each side, about 270 plus 25 for the bar, @ a svelt 210 something weight; a controlled setting and balanced weight (I am a fat pig now @ at 225ish and totally out of shape). Point being, if it really is that weight, you will have some issues.

Logistics is always an overlooked problem, see if they will deliver it; otherwise plan out how you will get it from end to end. Even if it means renting some equipment to move it or paying someone to do it.