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Weighing heavy parts

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  • Weighing heavy parts

    When I do my next engine swap, I'd like to weigh the engines I have around and compare them "apples to apples." In other words, same stuff on the engine that you would install in the bay. For example, long block, intake and exhaust manifolds particular to that engine (or the header you'll be installing), etc.

    The theory is that the B6 should be lighter than the B3, but is the B6's intake manifold heavier than the B3's and cancel out any block differences in weight?

    What kind of scale would I use?

    I'm thinking I'd buy three el cheapo bathroom scales and make a triangular plywood weighing plate. (It would be just large enough to set an engine down on.) I'd put a wooden disc right in the center of each scale (some scales will weigh differently when you stand on them differently and this would reduce that error) and arrange them in a triangle with the plywood plate in the middle to accept the engine assembly. Before weighing, I'd adjust the scales to "zero" to counteract the plywood and disc weights.

    When weighing the engine or other heavy part, I'd then add up all the scale weights to arrive at the correct value.

    This setup should be adaptable for rear axle assemblies and other heavy parts.

    How does this sound?

    Karl
    '93GL "Prettystiva" ticking B3 and 5 speed, backup DD; full swaps in spring!
    '91L "AquaMutt" my '91L; B6 swap/5 speed & Aspire brakes, DD/work car
    '92L "Twinstiva" 5sp, salvage titled, waiting for repairs...
    '93GL "Luxstiva," '94 B6 engine & ATX; needs overhauled
    '89L "Muttstiva," now a storage bin, future trailer project

  • #2
    Bathroom scales would be cheaper, but if you could find an old feedyard scale then you could set the whole engine on the scale and weigh it.
    '90 LX

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    • #3
      some metal recycling places have a scale you could use.
      1973 Cb750 haven't touched it yet with no idea what I am planning on doing with it
      1978 25th Anniversary edition Corvette
      1983 Chevy Elcamino
      1993 Ford Festiva GL
      2003 Hyundia Santa Fe ( Wifes Daily driver)
      some old dodge motorhome I have no idea of the year

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      • #4
        this place
        Rated 4 stars on YP. Share your own tips, photos and more- tell us what you think of this business!

        i talked to pat and he said that on saturday you can use their scale.
        1973 Cb750 haven't touched it yet with no idea what I am planning on doing with it
        1978 25th Anniversary edition Corvette
        1983 Chevy Elcamino
        1993 Ford Festiva GL
        2003 Hyundia Santa Fe ( Wifes Daily driver)
        some old dodge motorhome I have no idea of the year

        Comment

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