Recommended bolts to attach engine to stand

**Breadfan** · 08-10-2009, 04:20 PM

Hi folks,

Hope this isn't too odd or easy a question

I'm planning on pulling the engine and trans from my 1995 Suburban this coming weekend. The trans is bad due to a case cracked in half, so I figured I might as well just pull the whole thing and take the opportunity to go over the 170k 350, change some seals, etc.

I have an engine stand, and would like to attach the motor to it once seperated form the trans.

Question is - what bolts should I use? I don't think the bellhousing bolts would fit through the attachment "arms" which appear to be a good 2-3" tubes. Also I've heard it's recommended to use other bolts anyway, incase anything bends you don't ruin a bellhousing bolt.

So, has anyone done this on a 350 and what size bolts and or nuts doe you reommend I pickup prior to starting this job?

Thanks!!!

**Crawdaddy** · 08-10-2009, 04:51 PM

Use bolts with the same threading, but of an appropriate length to go through the stand and get a full bite in the block. I would say use Grade 8 bolts, but if I do something involving bolts, I always use Grade 8 if it's available. I'd imagine Grade 5 would probably hold the motor up, but don't quote me on that. I think a fully built out 350 (block, heads, internals, and maybe even accessory mounts would weigh in the range of 500-600 pounds, so it's always better to go overkill than possibly lose a foot or other appendage to a falling motor.

**Breadfan** · 08-10-2009, 09:56 PM

Thanks! I'm going for Grade 8's to be safe.

Do you happen to know the thread pitch and bolt site (diameter) of the bellhousing bolts?

I'll spend some time toinght searching/googling at anyrate. Thanks!

**Z71_guy** · 08-10-2009, 10:41 PM

when you get the bolts off take one in to the store and have them match it up with the longer one you need

**Breadfan** · 08-11-2009, 10:36 AM

Sounds like a plan. I may try to take one off this week to get them by the weekend, so I don't have to drive to the parts store for the bolts later.

Also, some searching found me this link: http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/bell...ze-157581.html

Indicates 3/8 x 16 may be what I need in terms of diameter/thread pitch.

**Breadfan** · 08-13-2009, 09:22 AM

Well last night I got under the truck and pulled one of the bellhousing bolts. (Not one of the converter inspection plate bolts, an actual bellhousing bolt). I think what I found online may be right - 3/8 x 16 thread pitch. But at anyrate I have it and will take it to the hardware store.

It looks like on my engine stand I'll need bolts 3.5 inches long.

We'll see what I can find in Grade 8

Sweet!

**Jimmiee** · 08-13-2009, 10:06 AM

Don't sweat it if you can't find grade 8. Grade 5 will suffice. A grade 5 bolt is plenty strong enough.

**olblue91** · 08-25-2009, 09:53 PM

i just put my 350 on a stand a couple days ago. i used 3/8 coarse thread, about 2" long. they are grade five, and i used four. it is holding up very well.

one thing to remember about grade 5 vs grade 8. grade 5, although weaker, will tend to bend on loads that are too heavy. a grade 8 bolt will tend to break in two pieces, once it reaches its max load. like i said....i used grade five, and it's holding up nicely.

**azdrtdog** · 08-25-2009, 10:15 PM

grade five are the recomended bolt for excatly that reason just make sure you get in at least 3/4 inch for a 3/8 to hold

**Jimmiee** · 08-26-2009, 10:45 AM

I've been using grade 5 bolts for years. After all if the factory uses them to hold the transmission to the engine I would hope they would hold the engine to an engine stand.