Proper engine lifting?

[Mr. Scary 5.0]

Ok, got a 331 stroker that I need to put on the engine stand. Aluminum heads already installed, complete long block but no intake on it. What is the best way to lift this motor with a hoist? I am uneasy about bolts into the aluminum heads as I fear they will break or strip the threads and pull out. Am I being too concerned and should be fine? How do you all lift your motors? Lastly what is the bolt/thread size for the intake to heads and the back of the block where the bellhouseing bolts where I will bolt it to the engine stand? Please help as I dont have much time and need to return the borrowed engine hoist. thanks all in advance.

 

[PJC Racing]

Use the accessory mounting holes on the fornt and back of each head going diagonaly across the block with a chain. The threads for the bolts should 3/8-16.

 

[Funanin]

yea man, u can usually do it pretty ghetto and not have a problem. Just pull a bolt out here and a bolt there and put the chain on, its not like its staying on the chain u know? I once used a cable and wrapped it around the motor about 10 times and dropped it in like that. Then just unwound the cable off the motor

 

[Fast63]

the bellhousing bolts are the same as head bolts, so if you have some old head bolts you can throw those through the engine stand into the back of the engine. Throw a bolt in the biggest accessory thread in the front of one head and one in the back of the opposite head. Link the two with a chain and you are good to go, just make sure the chain is not in a place where it will damage the aluminum heads. Maybe put a rag between the chain and the head so it won't damage it.

 

[Mr. Scary 5.0]

thanks all for the input.

 

[StinkinLincoln]

i used the 2 brackets on the bolt holes for the headers and lifted the engine and tranny, no problems.