im in boone, if i visit the coast any time soon ill have to see if i can stop by we can trade stories. as for the engine block as it is it weighs nothing i can pick it up so im not too worried. i used that stand to rebuild a 6.9 idi engine a while ago for my truck all told that beast is 1400lbs so i doubt it will have an issue with the 617 plus im getting rid of the stock end plate to mount a new trans once the new pump comes in.

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1985 300D om617: 8mm M pump 175cc 5200rpm, holset he221w @ 30psi, large A2W ic, compounds on the way.
KD9AFT
A&P