engine test stand

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Im about done building a 355 small block chevy and i plan on selling it but i would like to start it first so that i know im selling someone a good engine. I was wondering if anyone has ever built an engine test stand and what it takes. Pictures would help out alot. Thanks, Aaron
Reply:Say Aaron, A few thoughts. For any sort of a real test, you’ll need  a cooling system, quiet exhaust, and at least a heavy flywheel for some load. Without these, you won’t be able to test more than just a basic “it runs” condition.I saw an engine test stand that consisted of about a 50hp electric motor that drove the engine being tested, no fuel in the engine. Operator told me that they could check as many or more functions as if the engine was running itself!I do know that an engine running without load still has quite a torque reaction. Now I don’t like to brag too much about how I learned that, But…When I was a (younger) kid,  I test ran a 390 v8 while it was hanging from a chain hoist. As the gang stood around the running engine, I snapped the throttle open, the engine torqued up so fast that it jumped the hook and crashed! It was any boys guess where the engine was headed next as the spinning flywheel propelled it around for a few seconds!NEVER Let oil come in contact with oxygen.  I will not start stupid threads.Don't forget the upcoming air bumper test!
Reply:I built one. Go to my main page and you can see it. I also have a video on my engine build up page for my boat running a Big Block Chevy. I made it a few years ago. I have sold 3 small blocks in about 5 min. each when the customer came to look at the engine and heard it. Go here too...http://www.tjsperformance.com/bbcbuildup.htmT.J.www.tjsperformance.comLast edited by TJS; 12-27-2006 at 08:39 AM.