Heavy Lifting

[chris slawski]

Hey folks-
I am picking up, literally, a 427 shortblock this weekend, 1969 LS1 Caprice. I have engine lift (cherry picker) to load into my truck. Question is what is best pick up point to bolt into, and suggested bolt size. I have not seen in person so not sure if waterpump is on or not.
Thanks,
Chris

[Lynn]

Engine lift plate on the four carb studs if it is just the engine w/o the trans.

Much easier than chains bolted into random holes.

Like this, but you don't have to buy on line. Many auto parts stores have them.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/w...UaAsawEALw_wcB

[earntaz]

Originally Posted by Lynn

Engine lift plate on the four carb studs if it is just the engine w/o the trans.

Much easier than chains bolted into random holes.

Like this, but you don't have to buy on line. Many auto parts stores have them.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/w...UaAsawEALw_wcB

Saw this done on a 396 with alum intake ... plate was bolted to the carb mounting with Pick-a-nut bolts. Dropped the engine from about 4' ... two bolts broke and two stripped the treads ...

[chris slawski]

Originally Posted by Lynn

Engine lift plate on the four carb studs if it is just the engine w/o the trans.

Much easier than chains bolted into random holes.

Like this, but you don't have to buy on line. Many auto parts stores have them.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/w...UaAsawEALw_wcB

Yes thanks Lynn seen and have one....this is just the short block...no heads, no intake.

[jerry455]

I've alsway been leery of using just the carb plate, especially with a well-used aluminum intake, but people say how they lifted big blocks with transmissions all the time etc.
One tip to kkep in mind to make sure you can seat the bolt fully if threading into the block or head end etc- I've seen guys use bolts that are too long and that gives the chain a lot more leverage against the threads, even if the bolt is "tight".
Then again, I've lifted complete 455 Buicks from wrecking yard Electras & Rivieras back in the 80's using the seat belts pirated from the car! LOL
Good luck.

[rszmjt]

I would use a chain into a bell hsg bolt hole which is 3/8 unc and water pump hole which is 3/8 also, shorten the chain up as much as possible. If water pump is on you can use the lower holes by timing cover but they are 7/16 unc.

I know lots of guys use the intake plate, but personally those scare me, most aluminum intakes are only 2024 aluminum alloy and quite soft.

[Lynn]

Doh! Didn't see the "shortblock" in the initial post.

Bell housing bolt on one side, run catty corner to a water pump bolt hole. When using a chain, I always run a long 3/8 bolt through a top loop in the chain up clost to your hook; then put a nut on it, just so the chain can't slip.