How to Use the Engine Hoist in My Winter Car

What to know

• The engine must be mostly built (block, head, crank, pistons, oil pan, headers) before the hoist will attach properly.​
• If the engine sits too low, place a sandbag under it so the hoist chains can reach and snap into place.​
• Once on the hoist, you can move it over the car, lower the engine into the bay, and bolt it to the motor mounts.​

Installing an engine in My Winter Car can be tricky if you don’t know the exact steps, especially when dealing with the hoist. This guide walks you through the entire process, from preparing the engine to lowering it into the car, with clear steps and practical tips to help you avoid common mistakes.

How to put the engine on the hoist

Follow the steps below to properly mount the engine on the hoist and install it into the car.

Step 1: Build the engine first

Assemble the engine on the garage workbench, installing the block, head, crank, pistons, oil pan, and headers. Ensure the oil pan is bolted and the engine sits flat, then pick it up and position it on the garage floor beneath the hoist chains.

Step 2: Lift the engine with a sandbag

If the hoist chains are too high, place a sandbag under the front or middle of the engine block to raise it. This helps the chains snap into the correct attachment points on the head and headers. Keep the engine level to ensure proper alignment.

Step 3: Attach the hoist chains

Lower the hoist so the chains reach the engine. When the attachment points appear, use a 10mm spanner to tighten the bolts on both sides, securely connecting the chains to the engine.

Step 4: Lift and Position the Engine

Raise the hoist to lift the engine off the floor, then move it over the car’s engine bay. Keep the engine level and avoid swinging it too quickly, as collisions with the car or walls can make it difficult to control.

Step 5: Lower the Engine into the Car

Center the engine over the engine bay and lower it slowly, aligning it with the motor mounts. Once properly positioned, tighten the three motor mount bolts (two front, one rear) using a size 11 wrench or socket.

Step 6: Remove the Hoist Chains

After bolting the engine to the motor mounts, unbolt the hoist chains from the engine, raise the hoist so the chains clear, and move it away from the car. The engine is now installed, ready for exhaust, wiring, hoses, and other components.

Important tips

• If the hoist won’t attach, double‑check that the engine has the oil pan and headers on; missing those often breaks the hoist connection.​
• Sometimes the hoist works better if you move the engine and hoist to the driveway instead of the garage; try that if it feels “stuck.”​
• Keep the engine as level as possible when lifting and lowering; a tilted engine can miss the mounts or hit the radiator support.​
• Save before hoisting; if something goes wrong (engine drops, bolts don’t appear), you can reload and try again without losing progress.​

Installing the Engine Made Easy

Installing an engine in My Winter Car is simple when the engine is complete. Use a sandbag to adjust its height if needed, let the hoist snap the chains into place, then move and lower the engine into the car, bolt it to the mounts, and remove the chains to complete the installation.

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