Performance Engine Leveler W41036
Here at Speedway Motors we not only sell quality aftermarket parts, we use them ourselves as well. One of our employees wrote up this solid review of the Performance Tool W41036 Deluxe Engine Leveler available through Speedway Motors.
In the 40+ years that I've been working on cars, I have owned over 100 vehicles, and had the engines out of probably 90% of them. Through the years I have used trees, cherry pickers, A-frames, and Gantry cranes to remove and install engines. My tool of choice for about the last 30 years has been a Cherry Picker that my Mom bought me as a gift (I think because she got tired of me complaining about having to borrow or rent one). That cherry picker has definitely earned it's keep, but the thing that always had been difficult was how to hook it to the engine. I purchased the Performance Tool W41036 Deluxe Engine Leveler (Speedway P/N 910-89445), and after using it I can't even imagine how I made it through all these years without it. In the following tutorial, I'll be showing how I used this amazing tool to mock up a Big Block Chevrolet engine, in my 1976 Chevrolet Laguna S3. This car will be competing in Autocross racing, and the engine will most likely be in and out of the car many times. This Engine Leveler will make engine changes so much easier.
The Engine Leveler comes with everything to get your engine pulling party started. The chains are already attached to the leveler, just remove the 3/8” bolt, washer, and end cap. Then install the crank handle to the leveler, then the end cap, washer, and tighten the bolt and you're ready to go. The "L" brackets have two holes drilled in them, so you'll be able to mount them in a variety of ways to fit your particular needs. The construction of the leveler is excellent, very strong. I must admit I was very surprised at how easy it was to turn the crank handle, it was effortless, even weighted down with the weight of the Big Block.
Due to the vast array of mounting possibilities, the leveler kit does not come with bolts or washers. I just used some 3/8” x 1-1/4” bolts from my hardware bin. If needed the correct bolts and washers can be picked up at any hardware store.
Safety Note!!!! Always us the correct size and thread bolts for your application, and make sure the bolts thread at least 1/2” into the lifting point. Always use washers under the bolt heads to spread the load properly. Also use proper safety precautions when lifting or working around anything heavy such as an Engine.
Before using the Engine Leveler, I sprayed the threaded adjustment rod with lubricant just to ensure it would turn freely, and easily. It did the trick, the crank handle was very easy to turn, even with the weight on it. With that done, I was ready to put it to the test. I knew if it could handle tilting the Big Block in whatever angle I needed, I knew my life would have just been made easier. Now came the moment of truth, could the Performance Tool W41036 Engine Leveler be up to the task?
Although during the Big Block Mock Up, I was setting only the engine block and heads, in the car, so the tilting feature of the engine leveler was not needed this time, but I couldn't resist tilting the engine back and forth, just to test it out. The engine leveler easily tilted the Big Block from perfectly level to about a 25-30 degree angle.
The Performance Tool W41306 Engine Leveler performed flawlessly. As I said previously, I don't know how I made it through all those engine swaps without it. It makes any engine removal or installation a snap. There was no need to have extra hands to help move the engine around to get the engine mount bolt holes lined up and the bolt installed. After using the engine leveler, I can't wait to plan another engine swap, just so I can use it again.
