Floor Model Engine Stand Pro, for Type 1 VW Engines

OVERVIEW

When it comes to building a high-performance air-cooled engine, stability is everything. The EMPI Floor Model Engine Stand Pro is not your average, run-of-the-mill generic stand found at big-box tool stores. Engineered specifically for the unique architecture of the Volkswagen air-cooled case, this stand eliminates the wobble and insecurity often associated with universal mounting plates. Featuring two long, diagonal forward-reaching legs, this unit provides a wide, rock-solid footprint that prevents tipping even when you are torquing down gland nuts or heavy cylinder heads. The brilliant red finish isn''t just for show; it is a durable coating designed to resist the oils, solvents, and grease that are inevitable during a professional-grade teardown or assembly. Whether you are a seasoned machinist or a first-time builder, having a dedicated platform that respects the weight distribution of the magnesium or aluminum VW case is the first step in ensuring a precision build.

Mobility and safety go hand-in-hand with the Pro model''s upgraded wheel package. Unlike hard plastic wheels that skid or get stuck on shop debris, this stand is equipped with premium urethane-clad wheels that glide smoothly across your garage floor. Each wheel is outfitted with an individual brake, allowing you to lock the stand firmly in place while you are degreeing a cam or setting your deck height. The heart of the stand is the heavy-duty 4-arm gusseted head. These arms are designed to bolt directly to the engine case mounting points, providing a secure grip that won''t flex under the weight of a fully dressed long block. The "knock-down" design means it arrives in a compact box for easy shipping, but once assembled, it becomes a permanent and indispensable fixture in your workshop. If you are tired of struggling with "universal" stands that don''t quite fit the VW bolt pattern, the EMPI Pro model is the solution you have been looking for.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Type 1: Beetle and Super Beetle (All Years)
• Volkswagen Type 1: Karmann Ghia (All Years)
• Volkswagen Type 2: Bus / Transporter / Kombi (1200cc, 1300cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc Upright Engines)
• Volkswagen Type 3: Squareback, Fastback, and Notchback (Pancake Engines)
• Volkswagen Type 181: Thing (All Years)
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: Any vehicle utilizing a Type 1 based air-cooled engine case.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Brand: EMPI
• Part Number: 00-5015-0
• Application: VW Air-cooled Type 1, 2, and 3 Engines
• Head Design: 4-Arm Gusseted Multi-Adjustable Head
• Leg Configuration: Dual Diagonal Forward-Stabilizing Legs
• Wheel Material: Heavy-Duty Urethane-Clad Casters
• Braking System: Individual Locks on Each Wheel
• Finish: High-Visibility Brilliant Red Powder Coat
• Shipping Weight: 46.8 lbs
• Hardware: Included for stand assembly (Engine mounting bolts sold separately)

PRO TIPS FROM APPLETREE AUTO

Tip 1: Balancing the Rotation

When mounting your engine case to the 4-arm gusseted head, don''t just bolt it on in a random position. Take the time to center the engine''s crank centerline as closely as possible to the stand''s rotation axis. This makes rotating the engine 180 degrees much safer and easier. If the engine is mounted too high or too low on the plate, the weight will "flop" over when you loosen the rotation lock, which can lead to pinched fingers or damage to the engine. Always keep a firm hand on the rotation handle whenever you are adjusting the engine''s orientation to maintain total control of the center of gravity.

Tip 2: Use Grade 8 Mounting Hardware

While the stand is incredibly robust, the bolts you use to attach the engine to the stand are the only things holding your investment off the floor. We always recommend using high-quality Grade 8 bolts with thick washers to secure the case to the four arms. Generic, low-grade bolts can stretch or shear under the constant leverage of a fully assembled engine. Additionally, ensure that you have at least 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch of thread engagement into the case or through the mounting holes to ensure the weight is distributed properly across the fastener''s shank.

Tip 3: Maintenance of the Urethane Casters

To keep your EMPI Pro stand rolling like new, keep your shop floor clear of metal shavings and grinding dust. While the urethane wheels are much more durable than plastic, sharp metal debris can become embedded in the soft tread, which eventually leads to "flat spots" or floor marking. Periodically wipe down the wheels with a mild degreaser and check the brake levers for proper tension. A drop of light oil on the caster swivel bearings once a year will ensure that even with a heavy 2332cc stroker engine mounted, you can still maneuver the stand with one hand around your workspace.