starting a removed engine
 

I am about to remove my engine this weekend and would like to know what has to be done to start the engine before I reinstall it. I know I need a longer wire from battery to starter, and longer ground strap from trans. (Its a '74 2.0 with 2 webbers).

Why ? What are you trying to test ?

You'd probably be better off taking your battery out.
I set mine up on jack stands and cinder blocks. I had the jack stands on either side of the tail of the transmission and put a 4X4 across, under the tail. I used a ratchet strap to tie the 4X4 to the trans. I put 3 cinder blocks under each end of the front motor mounting bar, put a piece of 2X6 on top of each stack and ran a lag bolt through the mounting bar into the 2X6.
I had a remote starter button that I used.
I took the gas tank out of my lawn mower and hung it up above.

Seems like a lot of effort, but I had just done some top end work and had always been plagued by oil leaks. I think it was worth it to run it on the floor and find and fix the remaining oil leaks. I found that my front main was leaking. Fixed it and was able to install a motor that still has no leaks 9 months later..

I also liked that I was able to fully check out the exhaust and was forced to Jack the car up high enough to install the whole shooting match at once.

I took the belt off the alternator until I was done testing. I don't know for sure, but I think I read somewhere that you will melt the alt. if it does not have a voltage regulator on it.

If you have lots of time, I think it is worth it.
Have fun.

Karl