A little off-topic, but since I started the thread and we got into the topic of engine hoists, what do you guys think of this one? (ref. link to Harbor Freight tools)

http://www.harborfreight.com/1-ton-c...ane-93840.html

Based on the reviews & specs, it sounds like this would suit my needs (occasional use on my RX-7s). There's a Harbor Freight store a few miles from my house that has it in stock, but it's not set up and on display for me to inspect. I like the fact that it's foldable and saves me some garage space. Cost is a steal - with the coupons I have, if I buy it on turkey day, it rings up at about $99.00

The question is would it have the reach & capacity to pull the engine/tranny out of an FC? Anyone out there own and use one of these?

I'd go one size up. The hoist I have is a 2 ton and the casters on that are lackluster at best. Actually going to swap them out soon. Bigger is better.... It's just going to eb thicker steel, not much of a difference in size. Shouldn't be that much more expensive. CL maybe?

Is yours the Harbor Freight 2-ton foldable hoist? Looking at the specs on that now, besides the weight capacity, the 2 ton unit gives more boom reach - 42" - 63-1/2", compared to 36-1/4" - 50-1/4" for the 1 ton unit. Price is about $50 more, before any coupons. I had my concerns about the casters too, they are a bit on the cheap side.

Mine is an Excailber something.... I can pull some measurements for you tonight if you like. Even the casters on mine are on the cheap side. They're getting replaced before I attempt to drop in my buddies V8 diesel. I've heard reports that the long-block weighs 1200lbs!

Thanks, but no need to measure. I just measured from the nose of my FC to its firewall, and the distance is longer than the max. 50-1/4" boom reach that the cheaper 1 ton hoist at HF gives you. Looks like the extra reach of the 2-ton model will be a necessity.