Looking at getting myself an engine hoist. I'd be looking to get one that's foldable or can break down for easy storage. As well as not to expensive. Considering the biggest engine will probably be as big as a straight six in the future (considering getting a 240z-280z), I'd like the possibility to pull those too. I figure a 1 ton capacity would be fine. Any recommendations?

 

a 1 ton hoist will do fine.

 

I was thinking something on the lines of a harbor freight model, such as this:

http://www.harborfreight.com/1-ton-c...ane-93840.html

Does anyone have any other recommendations? And specifications I should be on the look out for?

 

Great choice!

May I make a suggestion? A load leveler will help greatly with the future swaps you have planned.

 

I guess I'll be picking one of those up as well.

 

for a rotary engine and rx7's you may need to find some tube that sleeves inside the crane boom to effectively extend it for just a bit more length
( note it will decrease the load rating for balance ,, but rotary and gearbox will be fine with and extra foot or so more length )

 

Well the 1 ton engine hoist is rated 1/4 ton at 50 1/4 inches, which is the longest the 1 ton harbor freight can go, and that is approximately just over 4 feet in length, I think that's plenty, and I really don't need to pull the transmission anyways, just need to pull the engine.

If anybody knows this isn't enough length, please let me know.

 

you will need the boom close to 5 ft to reach in and pull a motor from an FB or FC

 

Hmmmmm.... it's a good thing that you stepped in with that particular piece of information or I'd have a engine hoist that is a little to short.

Looks like I will be getting this one instead, 2-ton maximum capacity and at 90 3/4" it still can lift 1/2 ton:
http://www.harborfreight.com/2-ton-f...ane-35915.html

 

I've been pretty successful at several FC and FB pulls with the standard Harbor Freight/Advance Auto/PepBoys/AutoZone/WalMart (Insert the supplier of your choice... They all come from the same cheap factory in China.) hoist at it's maximum length.

EDIT: Just measured... It it's maximum length in the 1/2 Ton position, it's 45 inches from the hook end to the pivot bracket of the hydraulic ram... It is 60 inches from the hook end to the back end.

Mine is manufactured y "Big Red" Hydraulic Lifts... I think I've had jacks and jack stands made by them. It is a 2 ton unit.

The last time I did an FC, the hydraulic ram was touching the front bumper. No biggie. A shop rag saves from scratches.

 

How long are they, the 1 ton version from harbor freight is only 50 1/4 inches long, 4' 3". Apparently from the post above you need at least 5 feet. Is this true?

 

I just did some measurements, to measure from the front of the bump to the middle of the top of the intake manifold of my S4, and believe it or not it's less than 50 1/4 inches, so the harbor freight 1 Ton model should definitely work. The sides are even less. So no problems there.

 

I have a harbor freight hoist, works great. I have had it now for 3 years and it still strong.

 

Oh yea the HF hoist will work great. been using them for years. pulled many fc engines out with the 1toner. no extensions ect. towel on the front bumper g2g

 

I have the harborfreight one. It is short so you need to remove the bumper in order to get hoist close enough to the front of the car to get the motor out. Kind of annoying. Beyond that, it is ok.

 

fc? Fd?

 

FC, FD, Miata. Doesn't matter. Tried them all.