while my engine is at the machinist i went ahead and purchased a 1000lb engine stand i was wondering what bolts do i use to attach the block to the stand what length ect. thanks for all the help

Definately use grade 8 bolts, as far as the length goes I bought bolts that were 1 inch longer than the part that bolts to the back of the engine block. I had to use 2 flat washers to keep the bolts from bottoming out in the block.

Did the same. Grade 8, also used Grade 8 washers so they don't crush in.

Bolts must be installed 1.5 x the diameter for minium strength. So a 1/2-13 bolt would need to be installed 5/8" in the hole for retention.

Bolts must be installed 1.5 x the diameter for minium strength. So a 1/2-13 bolt would need to be installed 5/8" in the hole for retention.

So using Daves formula your 3/8" bolt would need to extend into the block 9/16" . My bolts are about 3/4" into the block installed and are grade 8. They held up this with no problem:

http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/ACE841/Picture006.jpg

Now y'all are scarin me, I have always just used whatever old bolts I had around for years.

but I do make sure they go into the block as deep as possible.

Hahaha.... I had to borrow my neighbors engine stand, my bolts were fine but my engine stand was bending under the weight of a big block.... I've always been into small blocks, the heaviest engine I had on the stand prior was a Ford 400M....

Hey daveseitz..........If minimum strength is achieved at 1.5 X diameter. Then 1/2" or .500 X 1.5 does not equal .625 (5/8"). It is .750

rdkvel667,
Measure the length of the tubes that the bolt will go thru.
Add 1" and use washers if bolts bottom out before tight.
The bolt size will be 3/8" X 16. Use grade 8.

fwiw, 1.5 X .375 is .562. This equals 9/16".
So if you use daveseitz formula, you'll want 9/16" of thread engagement for minimum strength. You'll have more !


Nate

I don't use bolts at all! I use studs and nuts. Not alltread or garbage that you buy at the hardware store. But high grade 3/8 x 7 inch studs. They are only threaded 1.25" on the ends. My stand includes 4.25" standoffs that the studs go through. The purpose for this extension is that I don't have to remove the clutch set up if I have pulled an engine and doing operations that don't require it's removal.

1.5 times the bolt length is for plate steel. any shallower of a bolt could strip the threads, any deeper "should" snap a bolt. Plate steel holds it's threads strong. Cast iron is a totally different. It doesn't have a grain to it (any cast metal), making it softer than plate metal, it will strip easier, or it can pop an area out.
Studs are always the best for anything cast!

My .02 worth. Pat