My Engine Test Stand - 3.2 Carrera

[mikedsilva]

Since I've been rebuilding engines over the last couple years, I always wanted a way to run them outside the car. Why? it makes it easy to spot potential leaks and to perform tests etc.

Disclaimer: I cannot weld! And my friend who helped me, cannot really either.... so I will likely have another go at making another stand with some cleaner welds!

My version of the stand uses an old 915 bellhousing to mount a starter motor and also mount the rear of the engine to the stand.
I sourced a spare oil tank and mounted it roughly in the same spot that it would be in a car. If the S hose lines up, I guess it must be ok.

There is only 1 gauge that displays Oil Temp and Pressure. And the 14 pin connector is wired to the pins that are needed.. ie, oil idiot light, oil temp, oil press ,power for WUR&AAR for cis motors, alternator charge light.

Fuel tank was purchased from ebay... pump is a CIS pump.

The stand is made in two assemblies: the rear half suspends the engine mount bar, and the front half supports the 915 bellhousing; they are bolted in the middle. The way I attach the engine, is to have the engine on my hydraulic lift table, then attach the front and rear subframes.. bolt them in the middle, then I can lower and remove the table.

The video below is a little long but shows a bit more detail.

[BoxsterGT]

Congrats!

Everything you need to make it run and evaluate prior to installation.

Great job.

Len

[Old H2S]

Your stand looks good and works which is the most important thing.
The welds are "cold" with poor flow and penetration.
I teach anyone that will listen to pre heat the weld joint with an instant on propane torch with your left hand while ready with your right with the MIG gun. This works for stick welding too if that is all you got.
This allows you to lower the heat setting on your system and prevent burn through when the weld is half way done.
You will look like a master in 5 minutes..

[mikedsilva]

Originally Posted by BoxsterGT

Congrats!

Everything you need to make it run and evaluate prior to installation.

Great job.

Len

Thanks Len. It's actually quite fun to have them run on the stand.
Perhaps you can help me here .... when I install into my car, I may need to convert the fuel fittings.. I don't want to cut anything if possible..

Is there a -6AN fitting that attaches to the fuel supply line to the engine? what's it called? There are soooo many fittings I haven't figured it out yet!

[mikedsilva]

Originally Posted by Old H2S

Your stand looks good and works which is the most important thing.
The welds are "cold" with poor flow and penetration.
I teach anyone that will listen to pre heat the weld joint with an instant on propane torch with your left hand while ready with your right with the MIG gun. This works for stick welding too if that is all you got.
This allows you to lower the heat setting on your system and prevent burn through when the weld is half way done.
You will look like a master in 5 minutes..

Hi, yes you are 100% correct... I tried watching the tutorials online, and they all say to listen for the sound of sizzling bacon. To me, it sure sounded like sizzling bacon! But perhaps, I don't cook my bacon at the same temp as everyone else and hence the lack of heat and penetration.

Just recently, I tried to weld an exhaust bracket, for the same engine (the stand was put together last year) and I used much higher voltage.. the results were MUCH better... so I plan to make another stand.

I'm still learning...

[BoxsterGT]

Happy to help but best to email me so I can send photos.

len.cummings @ verizon.net

[BoxsterGT]

Old H2S-

Your TIP will help me as well.

Never been a good welder.

Thank you.

Len

[pkabush]

That’s super cool. Something I’ve wanted to make for awhile. I’ve looked at quitting a few videos over the last few years but this is by far the most comprehensive one I’ve seen. Thanks for sharing.

[mikedsilva]

Originally Posted by pkabush

That’s super cool. Something I’ve wanted to make for awhile. I’ve looked at quitting a few videos over the last few years but this is by far the most comprehensive one I’ve seen. Thanks for sharing.

wow, thanks!
I need to work on my presentation... I don't know how youtubers do it.. to me, this is as difficult as public speaking!

[Nditiz1]

Mike this is cool and I would like the materials list. I'm far from a welding pro and currently my test stand is a harbour freight lift table lol.

[mikedsilva]

Originally Posted by Nditiz1

Mike this is cool and I would like the materials list. I'm far from a welding pro and currently my test stand is a harbour freight lift table lol.

haha!
well, thats how this one started... on my table.. then make stuff around it!!

I was worried about the poor welds but it's held up and had a few different motors on it now.. seems to be OK.
I like that it is high enough off the ground so I can get underneath it on my crawler to inspect, and still get to the top of it for access to the AFM etc...

Here is a vid from laying underneath the motor
https://youtube.com/shorts/TQJmsLqxwtU?feature=share

[al lkosmal]

Nice work Mike..they come in handy!!!

[mikedsilva]

Originally Posted by al lkosmal

Nice work Mike..they come in handy!!!

Thanks Al. They ARE good fun and your videos were def the inspiration

[al lkosmal]

That's great...my 1st test stand was a bolt together kit that was meant for testing V8 engines. I modded it a bit to accept 911 engines. Oh yes...very handy, if a bit weebly. A bit later, a local Porsche shop sold me a test stand they had fabbed to test a customer's 906 engine.....it only was seldom used and when the shop moved to new digs, it became surplus......I bought the 906 test stand....built to withstand direct atomic blasts.......very,very handy.

Comes in handy, if you're an engine builder ....and you are one of those.

regards,
al

[mepstein]

We just finished our test stand.

[mikedsilva]

Originally Posted by mepstein

We just finished our test stand.

nice... I'm jealous of how large your work area is!

[Dpmulvan]

Originally Posted by Old H2S

Your stand looks good and works which is the most important thing.
The welds are "cold" with poor flow and penetration.
I teach anyone that will listen to pre heat the weld joint with an instant on propane torch with your left hand while ready with your right with the MIG gun. This works for stick welding too if that is all you got.
This allows you to lower the heat setting on your system and prevent burn through when the weld is half way done.
You will look like a master in 5 minutes..

You shouldn’t have to preheat a 3/16 piece of steel tubing. Either amperage too low and or wire speed too fast. Also check your shade if your having trouble seeing the puddle you might have your lens set way on the safe side.

[Discseven]

Never mind the welds Mike, that's fine stand build. Engine looks a work of art as well. Impressive!

[mikedsilva]

Originally Posted by Discseven

Never mind the welds Mike, that's fine stand build. Engine looks a work of art as well. Impressive!

Thanks mate.
I want to get better.... welding and playing guitar are taking longer than I would like

As for the engines, yes, they are coming out pretty well. I'm quite chuffed with them!

[Old H2S]

BS. Preheat every thing even thin sheet metal for a second, helps drive off moisture and contaminates. Any welding process is inputting a lot of heat right now! By warming up the area you are taking out the area shock and the area will heat up faster at lower heat input with less distortion, anybody can just throw more power at the weld. It is not until your welds get tested that you learn just because it looks good does not mean it is competent. More so with MIG. By tuning up the input you will be too hot by mid weld and trying to move faster than your wire speed so you keep making adjustments to compensate which makes all the little pops and splatters.