I used a generic engine stand when I was working on my engine (its now on hoist awaiting install). Slightly different than the HF one, has 2 horizontal support with wheels instead of the one on the HF. Worked well except I had to drill new holes in 2 of the arms the get it to fit.

Can't install flywheel though.

It was around 79 bucks on sale

here it is

http://www.kmstools.com/performance-tool-1250lb-engine-stand-7022

alistair

On 2013-06-01, at 8:30 PM, John Meeks wrote:

> Thanks Jim. That's the Harbor Freight stand I have with a flaky bunch of
> standoff pieces to mount the engine. Guess I need a bellhousing for a
> proper setup. Thanks for the info.
> 
> John Meeks
> '91 Multivan
> Stock 2.1 250k miles
> 
> http://www.vanagonauts.com
> Vanagon Rescue Squad
> iPhone and Android apps
> On Jun 1, 2013 11:18 PM, "Jim Arnott" <jrasite@eoni.com> wrote:
> 
>> I used to have one of those. With a fully dressed waterboxer on it,
>> you'll not want to have your feet under it.  Way flexy. The best
>> engine stand I've found is a standard American floor stand with a VW
>> bell housing bolted to the plate. With the bell housing, you can mount
>> a starter and with a starter, you can.... make it run. And the
>> American engine engine stand is build to hold up a 750# lump of
>> Detroit wonder metal. (AKA cast iron.)
>> 
>> http://www.harborfreight.com/**automotive-motorcycle/lifts-**
>> stands/750-lb-capacity-engine-**stand-32915.html<http://www.harborfreight.com/automotive-motorcycle/lifts-stands/750-lb-capacity-engine-stand-32915.html>
>> 
>> I have a bell housing left over from my ABA swap. There are a few on
>> The Samba for $45-50. I'd match that. (NE Oregon)
>> 
>> http://www.thesamba.com/vw/**classifieds/search.php?submit=**
>> yes&type=text&keywords=bell+**housing<http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/search.php?submit=yes&type=text&keywords=bell+housing>
>> 
>> Jim
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> On Jun 1, 2013, at 6:32 PM, Mike B wrote:
>> 
>> The text description in this ad is obviously generic and those dates
>>> are
>>> ridiculously wrong.
>>> This universal VW engine stand will fit every VW flat 4 ever made from
>>> 1932 to 1992, including a WBX.
>>> 
>>> Mike B.
>>> 
>>