So the latest engine is all together and ready to fire up. Wouldn't it be nice to be able to go through the cam break-in and fix any oil leaks before everything goes into the car? An engine test-stand would be just the thing! Here is my approach to the problem.

It must be solid enough to hold 300+ lbs of engine and related equipment and do so while the engine is running. The easiest thing to start with is something that a VW engine is designed to bolt to - a VW transmission. Of course this provides a convenient mount for the starter.

My friend Rob located a single-side cover IRS case for free. While a case with two side-covers might be better for this application, the price was right. The first assembly will be something to which the transmission case can be secured and that has a nice flat bottom.

The side-cover on the transmission case provides a wide, flat surface that has already been tapped for M8 bolts. So, the mount will consist of a vertical piece of 1/4" steel (bolted to the side-cover surface) welded to a horizontal platform (also 1/4" steel). So, we start with some steel. In this case, I bought two pieces 12"x12" of 1/2" plate. These cost $12.63 at Glaser Steel here in the Springs (719 634-4060).

First, cut a corner off so the plate clears the bell housing

Now, locate and drill some bolt holes to match the side-cover surface. A side-cover gasket will give you the correct hole-spacing. Remember to allow the side-plate to extend below the lowest part of the transmission case. Also, try to get the bottom edge of the side plate level with the transmission. Otherwise, the engine itself will not be level.

Now for some welding. Our new side-plate needs to be welded to the base to form a right-angle. It also needs to be positioned such that the transmission / engine is centered over the base plate. And, we want to use the rear part of the transmission case as another bracing point, so the rear of the case must not be beyond the back edge of the base plate. Do lots of measuring.

So, here is the completed mount. This would clearly be stronger if the transmission case were supported on both sides. We shall see.

So now that the mount is ready, we need a stand to get everything up off the floor. But not too far. I still need to be able to reach it with the floor jack.

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