I've had it with my el-cheapo engine stand. Any reasonable force like torquing head bolts or mains and the thing wobbles to the point I'm afraid something is going to break. I'm going to start on my first Hemi next year and I'd rather it not end up on the floor. I'd like to get a good 2000# version for around $1000 but I can't find one. They seem to go from the cheap 2000# versions for a couple hundred bucks to the 3000# diesel stands that are four thousand bucks. I could make one but I really don't want to take the time. Anybody know of somebody that sells a quality 2000# stand in that price range?

I have an old Lakewood that has been reinforced that works well with a big block .

One thing that helps is to use a steel plate to hold the engine rather than the flimsy arms that most stands come with.

For a few bucks, couldn't you add some reinforcement / improvements to yours?

This one looks beefy:

Or go to the next step and replace the entire head of the engine stand with a custom built head which is more rigid. This is what I did to build a big block stand.

OTC makes good stands. We have this one at work and use it on smaller diesel engines. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/otc-1726a?seid=srese1&gclid=CJ_5k9H91MICFS0Q7AodNCUAKw I used it on my big block and it handled it no problem.

If I needed a one, I think I would consider this one from Summit just as long as you are short. Most new stands I see are short, I'm 6'3 tall, what are they thinking? It looks sturdy and the geared head is a plus at a cheap price, imo.
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Then the only reason I say summit is because they have many choices and provide pretty good delivery service.

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My homemade stand, it has held International MV404 and 392 gasoline fueled truck engines which are heavier than the heaviest big block. And I have hung many engines with grade 5 all thread rod, 3/8" and 7/16" all thread rod. Not just SBs but huge BAE hemis and cast iron truck engines with all thread rod. That way I'm sure I'm screwed into the block the max and there's no block thread damage. Grade 8 bolts are not needed and bolts are bad for this application. I have repainted this engine stand 3 times since 78 when I got it.


20 years ago I'd be all over you to build your own and have it for life like mine. But now you really can't afford to build your own. This one was built in a hi school welding class at diamond oaks in 78.

I can not think of a better stand than the Stroppini that I bought in the 80's. The thing is stout, stable and has a fairly small foot-print.
Heres a pic from online (not my stand and pic is the older 3 wheel version). My stand and all? are now made with a front cross-tube with 2 wheels in front to make it very stable. I've had some very heavy motors on it and have no problem with stability. Also the plate and arms are adjustable so as to be able to center the load making it pretty easy to rotate.
edit--> The vertical and horizontal tube are one piece made with a bend, ne new versions don't have the big plate covering the bend, rather it's a bolted connection.

Here's my oldie but sturdy. Use it for years and it's being used to strip a big block right now. Don't know what brand it is.

I stopped using 3 legged stands after dumping an engine in the driveway when it hit a small rut.

Wow !! Send me the $ 1000. and I'll ship you my stand.

Seriously, that's way too nuch to have tied up in an engine stand - even one that will hold a complete iron hemi.

But if you really want to, my offer stands !

One thing to think about, a Hemi is so top heavy, I wish I had got one with the gear crank mechanism, my whole Hemi is aluminum and I almost couldn't get it turned back right side up.

A decent rotator can be made from a air brake slack adjuster. thus:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUJKwFE_NvE

Too bad your not closer.
I would sell you mine.
I bought this one from NAPA when i had 3 hemi engines in a storage locker.
Never used it, as i sold all the engines.