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Mechman Running Engine Stand vs Engine Stand Compatible with Chevy Small Block & Big Block 3 Heavy-Duty Steel Wheels

Buy the Mechman if you intend to run an engine, not just hold it. It is the only one of the two with a gauge panel, dual cooling fans, a fuse and relay center and a 1,500 lb rating, so you can start and tune an engine on the stand. The Allstar-style cradle is a simple steel Chevy-only holder with casters and mounting bolts included; it stores small and suits a builder who just needs an engine off the floor. Owners of running stands praise the wiring and cooling setup but note the Mechman does not fold, while cradle buyers like the light, compact build and complain it offers no electrical or cooling support.

  • Choose the Mechman if you plan to start, break in or tune an engine on the stand and want gauges, fans and a fused electrical center built in.
  • Choose the Engine Stand cradle if you only need to store or move a Chevy small block or big block and want something light that tucks away.

Prices

  • Mechman Running Engine Stand: $799.00 at Alternator Outlet (last seen Nov 9)
  • Engine Stand Compatible with Chevy Small Block & Big Block 3 Heavy-Duty Steel Wheels: $44.12 at The Home Depot (checked today)
  • Difference: the Engine Stand Compatible with Chevy Small Block & Big Block 3 Heavy-Duty Steel Wheels is $754.88 cheaper than the Mechman Running Engine Stand at the latest prices (Nov 9 and Nov 12)
Mechman
Mechman Running Engine Stand

Mechman Running Engine Stand

$799.00at Alternator OutletChecked Nov 9
See all prices and details
Visit Alternator Outlet
Pros
  • Gauge panel for tach, oil pressure, temperature and volts
  • Dual electric cooling fans and a 300-amp main fuse included
  • 6-circuit fuse and relay center for test wiring
  • 1,500 lb capacity and mount kits for most popular engines
  • Supports long-term testing with cooling and electrical accessories
Cons
  • Does not fold for storage
  • Mount kits for most engines cost extra
  • Overkill if you only need to store an engine
Engine Stand
Engine Stand Compatible with Chevy Small Block & Big Block 3 Heavy-Duty Steel Wheels

Engine Stand Compatible with Chevy Small Block & Big Block 3 Heavy-Duty Steel Wheels

$44.12at The Home DepotChecked 5 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit The Home Depot
Pros
  • Light and compact, easy to store

What separates them

Mechman Running Engine StandEngine Stand Compatible with Chevy Small Block & Big Block 3 Heavy-Duty Steel Wheels
PurposeBuilt to run an engine: gauges, cooling fans and a fuse/relay centerA cradle that holds and rolls an engine, with no running support
Engine fitmentMount kits for SBC/BBC, LS, LT, Ford SBF, Coyote, Godzilla and 2JZ/1JZChevy small block and big block only
Weight capacity1,500 lbNot stated by the maker; a light steel cradle
Electrical and cooling4-gauge panel (tach, oil, temp, volts), dual electric fans, 300-amp main fuse, 6-circuit fuse/relay centerNone
Hardware includedStand only; mount kits sold separately8 mounting bolts (3/8-16) and bolt storage included
StorageRigid frame, does not foldCompact cradle that stores easily
BuildHeavy-duty frame for high-performance engines1 in steel tubing, black powder coat, casters included

Price history

$809.10$22.99
Oct 28Nov 12
  • Mechman Running Engine Stand: lowest $799.00 on Oct 30 at Mechman Alternators; $799.00 on Nov 3.
  • Engine Stand Compatible with Chevy Small Block & Big Block 3 Heavy-Duty Steel Wheels: lowest $22.99 on Nov 12 at Amazon.

Prices at every store

Mechman Running Engine Stand

  • Alternator OutletNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $799.00Checked Nov 9
    Visit Alternator Outlet
  • FI PerformanceNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $799.00Checked Nov 9
    Visit FI Performance
  • SLRspeedNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $899.00Checked Nov 7
    Visit SLRspeed
  • Mechman AlternatorsNew

    Availability unknown

    $799.00Checked Nov 3
    Visit Mechman Alternators

Also available at

  • SLRCheck price at SLR
  • Alternator OutletCheck price at Alternator Outlet
All 7 stores and price history →

Engine Stand Compatible with Chevy Small Block & Big Block 3 Heavy-Duty Steel Wheels

  • The Home DepotNew

    In stock

    $44.12Free shippingChecked 5 h ago
    Visit The Home Depot
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $22.99+ $29.99 shippingChecked 5 h ago
    Visit Amazon
  • Allstar PerformanceNew

    Availability unknown

    $122.99Checked 5 h ago
    Visit Allstar Performance
  • WalmartNew

    Availability unknown

    $122.99Free shippingChecked 5 h ago
    Visit Walmart

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 9 stores and price history →

Questions and answers

Which is better for breaking in a new cam?
The Mechman. It gives you a tach, oil pressure and temperature gauges plus cooling fans, which you need to hold rpm and watch oil during a flat-tappet break-in. The cradle cannot run an engine at all.
Can I run an LS on the Mechman?
Yes, with the LS Gen III-IV mount kit, which is sold separately. The stand itself ships without a mount kit, so confirm you have the right one for your engine before you start.
Which lasts longer?
Both are steel and should last years in a home shop. The Mechman carries more load and more wiring, so its fans and fuse center are the parts that wear; the cradle has almost nothing to fail.
Is the Mechman worth stepping up to over a cradle?
Only if you plan to start or tune engines. If you just need an engine off the floor and out of the way, the cradle does that job with less bulk and no extra wiring.
Will the cradle hold a big block Chevy?
It is listed for small block and big block Chevy, and the maker gives no weight rating. Check your engine's weight against the cradle's steel tubing before trusting it.
Do I need extra parts for the Mechman?
Yes. The stand ships alone, so you need the mount kit for your engine family and your own cooling hoses and wiring to use the fans and fuse center.

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More comparisons

  • Mechman Running Engine Stand vs Engine Stand 2000LBS Capacity, 360 Degree Rotating Engine Run Stand with 6-Casters, Heavy Duty Motorcycle Engine Stand with Foldable Frame for Auto Repair, Vehicle Maintenance, Red
  • Engine Stand 2000LBS Capacity, 360 Degree Rotating Engine Run Stand with 6-Casters, Heavy Duty Motorcycle Engine Stand with Foldable Frame for Auto Repair, Vehicle Maintenance, Red vs Engine Stand Compatible with Chevy Small Block & Big Block 3 Heavy-Duty Steel Wheels
Mounting bolts and bolt storage included
  • Casters included for rolling
  • Simple steel build with powder coat finish
  • Cons
    • Chevy small block and big block only
    • No gauges, fans or wiring support, so you cannot run an engine on it
    • No stated weight rating