Is it possible to drop a 1.7 using a 4 post lift? Options

[doug_b_928]

I've been reading in anticipation of starting my restoration this year. I've seen posts where some have used a two post lift to remove their engines. I'm wondering if it's possible to remove the engine using a 4 post lift with 32" of clearance between the rails. My 914 is in storage a couple of hours away so I can't measure the width of the engine and tins etc. I'm guessing that 32" is not enough space, but am wondering if there is some (reasonably easy) way that it can be done.

[KaptKaos]

Why do I have visions of Karl's Lotus Elise flashing in my mind right now??

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i8.photobucket.com-607-1360103094.1.jpg)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/wacko.gif)

I am not a fan of this plan. I think the car will fall off of the back of the ramp because most of the weight will be hanging off the rear.

I still don't get the logistics of the runways being so close. A picture would help a lot.

[euro911]

Why do I have visions of Karl's Lotus Elise flashing in my mind right now??

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i8.photobucket.com-607-1360103094.1.jpg)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/wacko.gif)

I am not a fan of this plan. I think the car will fall off of the back of the ramp because most of the weight will be hanging off the rear.

I still don't get the logistics of the runways being so close. A picture would help a lot.

When you jack stand a 914 (with the complete drive train installed) under the front and rear donuts, have you ever seen one fall (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

I'm surmising that the Elise was probably not positioned on the two-post lift correctly and when they removed some weight (front wheels), it upset the balance.

How many times have we had 914s up on the two-post lifts at shop class? ... and we've never had a mishap occur ... even when removing both front wheels and rotors to do a brake job.

If there's concern about weight distribution and upsetting the balance for the short duration the car would be in that position, the front wheels or A-arms can be secured to the runways with a good set of ratchet straps.

Is your lift bolted to the floor, Doug?

[KaptKaos]

How many times have we had 914s up on the two-post lifts at shop class? ... and we've never had a mishap occur ... even when removing both front wheels and rotors to do a brake job.

If there's concern about weight distribution and upsetting the balance for the short duration the car would be in that position, the front wheels or A-arms can be secured to the runways with a good set of ratchet straps.

Is your lift bolted to the floor, Doug?

Good point Mark. Assuming that the lift holds up the chassis level at all four donuts, then you are correct.

However, if the car is on the front wheels and there is a drop from the front to the rear because the rear is resting on a 4x4, then your idea to secure the front with some ratcheting tie downs would really help. Using a 4x4 has the car already resting at a downward angle.

Also, a bolted down lift would be good too.