Engine Support bar

[Pdxguy]

Wanting to drop the front subframe to switch out without pulling the engine. How safe/effective are the engine support bars like this Harbor Freight version?

 

 

Thanks,

Dennis

[Stevenc22]

I like mine. I used it multiple times to change motor mounts. Works fine. I forget why but I had to use a ratchet strap between the engine lift points and the bar, but it all worked good.

[HobieDog]

I’d used that one several times on other cars, it’s great.  Ended up selling it on craigslist for what I paid with a 20% coupon (if you’re shopping at harbor freight and not using a coupon and/or a free flashlight then you’re doing it wrong)

Edited August 14, 2023 by HobieDog

[bergie33]

I used mine to drop my 2002's subframe. Also used it on my two e46's and an X5 for replacing the oil pan gasket. They are a great tool great to have on hand. 

[Eissmann]

The engine support bar was some of my best money spent on tools. I've used it to hold the motor while changing mounts, replacing the oilpan gasket and removing the front subframe.   

[TobyB]

Yup- works just fine.  Two are even finer for heavier engines with a tighter fit than a 2002's.

 

Don't hesitate to upgrade/supplement the crappy hardware that comes with them.

 

t

 

[John76]

56 minutes ago, TobyB said:

Don't hesitate to upgrade/supplement the crappy hardware

I invested in the high-performance woodpile and bike chain option. 

 

[theNomad]

I used the organic composite version with vegan friendly straps.

[conkitchen]

I was bored one day, so I made one too.  

 

but what are we talking about here? 

 

[Mark92131]

Bought the Harbor Freight unit specifically to support the motor while I flipped the metal cap on the driver's side motor mount.  Worked like a charm.  I'm sure i'll use it again before I'm done with this restoration.

 

Mark92131

 

 

[Son of Marty]

With a high performance engine and the old style round mount you'll get another chance to use it again😁.

[Mark92131]

17 hours ago, Son of Marty said:

With a high performance engine and the old style round mount you'll get another chance to use it again😁.

 

I originally had the square one installed with the motor and trans in the subframe, but the side to side and up and down movement of the trans in the tunnel seemed excessive with it.  So I installed a new round motor mount which seems to do a much better job supporting the trans before getting a jack under it.  We'll see how it holds up.

 

Mark92131

[TobyB]

Unless it's an improved design, it'll tear.

How close is your fan to the radiator?

 

t

 

[Mark92131]

2 minutes ago, TobyB said:

Unless it's an improved design, it'll tear.

How close is your fan to the radiator?

 

The round motor mount was new, not NOS.  Seemed very solid, and fit the metal cup perfectly.  I deleted the fan and modified the S14 water pump pulley for maximum space between the radiator and the pulley (3/4").  Also have the passenger side motor mount retaining strap in place.

 

We'll see how it goes on start-up.

 

Mark92131

 

 

[jimk]

?? Extra S14 engine power on the round motor mount during hard accel and decel.

 

The engine moves up and down enough with the new mount to put trust in the old style.