I wouldn't recommend the use of all-thread to support your engine.  It's only rated Grade 5 and it's simply not strong enough to trust.  Use minimum Grade 8.8 metric automotive nuts, bolts and washers.
  You don't want to get hurt or drop your engine, either.

Mike B.            
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Jim Felder 
  To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM 
  Sent: Friday, October 16, 2009 7:48 PM
  Subject: Re: Friday - engine stand suggestions

  You can use three arms of a cheap 4-arm stand and 4 or 6 inch iron
  pipe sections with all-thread run through and the appropriate nuts and
  washers.

  If you use standoffs that are long enough, you can get enough room to
  work on the clutch and flywheel.

  Jim

  On Fri, Oct 16, 2009 at 6:34 PM, Roger VanTill <motelvw@gmail.com> wrote:
  > My 2.1 is hanging from a $50 stand from PepBoys. Had to modify a few holes
  > toget all four bolts on. Seems sturdy enough for the boxer.
  >
  > On Fri, Oct 16, 2009 at 12:54 PM, Andrew Philbrick <
  > herrschildkrote@gmail.com> wrote:
  >
  >> Hey Volks,
  >>
  >> I was just wondering if anyone could give me somewhere to start for my
  >> search for an engine stand. I'm kinda looking for a universal stand I can
  >> put my Subaru engine on. When the Subaru goes into my Vanagon, I'd like to
  >> put the wbx engine on the stand...etc. Since most engine stands are mail
  >> order, I was wondering if anyone who owns a well made stand would be
  >> willing
  >> to share the pros/cons.
  >>
  >> Thanks as always,
  >> Andrew
  >>
  >