Engine Trolley

Hey group, I am going to start removing my engine possibly next week for the 30K service and I need a good trolley design to put the engine onto. I have a maxjax 2 post lift to raise the car, it raises it about 50" max. I have access to angle iron, swivel wheels and the like and I would like to make a trolley that fits well and possibly is adjustable to allow easy re-assembly into the car, hoping to get some experienced tips.

 

This is an elevated stock cart from WW Grainger. I have 2 of them and they are cheaper than the material cost to build your own.

I have used a variety of Ferrari factory and custom made engine dollies every week, week in and week out since 1985 and none of them work better than this. I did put an extra layer of 3/4 ply on top to stiffen it and caster on all 4 corners to more easily position it.
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Thanks, so just a flat surface is the best to rest the engine on? I was somehow thinking that it was necessary to have a higher surface on the frame section near the front of the engine. If flat is good I can borrow a wide cart from work that actually sissor lifts up and down.

 

Here is mine. Can't see a whole lot in this pic, but it has 4 small bottle jacks with a U shaped channel welded on top of them on each corner and swiveling rubber casters on all 4 corners. Rolls smooth and real easy to position.
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I am in the middle of performing a 30k service on my 348 using a Maxjax, and am using an industrial pallet dolly (45" x 45" x 11") I know they can be expensive new, but I found this one used on craigslist for $40.

Using some 2x4s for angle adjustment, the size is just about perfect. As you see below, I've supported the subframe under the rear crossbeam and in the front, just behind the chassis attachment plates. Given the 45" lifting height of the Maxjax, you won't be able to use a dolly that is much more than about 15" high if you want to be able to roll the engine out with the bumper on.

Using a dolly that is open on the bottom will also allow you to access the bottom inspection plate on the gearbox.
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Given this picture posted by RifleDriver, it is implied that the engine on a 355 can be dropped out the bottom with the muffler in place. Is that true, or is Brian just playing with our mind?

This saves 30 minutes each way, out and back in.

 

Brian,

What kind of exhaust is that? What engine is that? Almost looks like two completely separate exhausts.