Having the right tools for the job is one of the most important first steps when it comes to working on a vehicle.

In this guide, we are going to show you the best engine support bars and why they are a must-have when working on your engine.

An engine support bar is a tool that attaches to the inner fender wells to your engine, allowing you to take apart sections of your engine (without it falling out of place). A good support bar will help you get the work done and keep you and your engine safe.

When it comes to safety you do not want to take chances. Doing your own mechanical work on your car can be a great way to save money, but only if you can get the job done without breaking anything or injuring yourself.

The Goplus 1100lbs Engine Support Bar is our top pick. It holds up to 1100lbs and is easy to install and use.

Our Top Pick: The Goplus 1100lbs Engine Support Bar

I have spent many hours in the garage working on vehicles. There were always moments when I needed a tool or device to help get the work done. You could rent the tool you need, but for some occasions, it just makes more sense to buy the thing.

The Goplus 1100lbs engine support bar is one of those tools that you are going to want to have in your arsenal.

It’s made from heavy-duty steel and has a powder coat finish. I love this one because it has 6 punches that make it versatile to fit multiple engine sizes.

It comes with two chains for binding and is one of the safest engine support bars that I’ve come across. At 31.4 pounds, this support bar is sturdy and made from quality materials.

It can be used for many types of engine repair from the transmission, replacing a clutch, and more. The tightening grips are rubber-coated making it easy on your hands when you are adjusting how tight you need it.

The Goplus 1100lbs engine support bar is easy to put together and use. Being able to shift your motor to one side makes it very easy to change a timing belt. Or, get to that part of your engine that would have taken a jack to prop the engine up.

I hate having to rely on jacks to find that spot where you are sure there will be no trouble, with something falling out of place.

The ease of use of with this engine support bar is the best part of it. There is nothing complicated about using this device.

For someone like me who is a DIY mechanic with enough knowledge to do my own work, owning this piece of equipment saves you a ton of money on rental fees. Also, it can save you time from using other products that aren’t quite as useful.

Comparing the Top 5 Models

Engine Support Bar Reviews: Comparing the Best

Now that you know which engine support bars we recommend let’s take a closer look at some of the pros and cons as well as some of the specs.

1. The Goplus 1100lbs Engine Support Bar

Our number one pick for best engine support bar is the Goplus 1100lbs engine support bar system. This one has the most bang for your buck. I like to find tools that are high quality while still being affordable and this one fits that description.

A few things I like about this one is that it is versatile and has more options for working on multiple places on your engine.

The rubber-coated grips and knobs on this support bar are one of my favorite things about this tool. It can be painful when you have to torque metal grips without some kind of soft coating to help ease the pressure.

It comes with two chains that hold up well in scenarios where you need to lower the engine from the support bar and vehicle.

The overall dimensions of this Goplus support bar are 59″ (W) x 9-1/2″ (D) x 12-1/4″ (H).

Some pros and cons of this piece of equipment:

Pros: Durable and versatile design makes this unit a great choice for anyone who is working on multiple vehicle types.

Cons: The chains are not the best quality chains, but they can be replaced with ones that hold more weight.

The weight capacity is a huge factor in this product. Some of the cheaper units only hold around 700 lbs. With the Goplus 1100 lbs support bar, you will be able to tackle just about any vehicle with confidence.

This is a top-rated engine support bar that will come in handy.

It’s an affordable piece of equipment that will take away the burden of not having the right tools to get the job done!

2. OEM TOOLS 24950 1100 Lb. Engine Support Bar

The OEM 1100 lb engine support bar has a lot of potential for replacing the old ways of keeping an engine in position. Jacking up your motor to work on it has many dangerous elements, and the OEM engine support bar makes it easier and safer to get that kind of work done.

This support bar works for almost every type of engine. Also, it has side supports that fit different than some of the other support bars. This engine support bar works for both 4 and 6 cylinder vehicles.

The 1100 lb weight capacity makes it a great choice for working on vehicles with large engines. You cand be sure that your engine is in good hands.

If you are planning on leaving your engine support up for longer periods, then this could be the right support bar for you.

This is a great durable piece of equipment that is designed to work on many vehicle types. Also, it has the ability to hoist the engine, transmission, and other heavy parts so that you can work on them safely.

The dimensions on this OEM support bar are as follows: 61.25 x 6.5 x 5 inches.

Here are some pros and cons of this piece of equipment:

Pros: The side mounts are designed to hold steady to multiple types of inner fender wells, with a different design than other models.

Cons: The feet on this model are hard plastic instead of rubber and do not have as good as a grip as some other models.

This product has more pros than cons and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a well-crafted support bar.

3. Astro 5820 Engine Support Bar

The Astro 5820 engine support bar is our top pick for the best-priced support bar. The weight capacity is only 700 lbs on this one, however, if you have a smaller engine this will be the perfect product for you.

That, combined with its lower price point, makes it a good choice for anyone who doesn’t want to waste money on engine support bar rental.

Instead, you can invest that money in a piece of equipment that will come in handy for years to come.

The design of this support bar is a little different than the others listed. It has three-point support with a third arm, allowing you to work on engines with off-center loads.

The third leg on this model has multiple holes so that you can adjust the height which is a great option for changing transaxles.

Dimensions of this piece of equipment are as follows: 40 x 6.5 x 6.3 inches

The unit weighs 21 lbs. and is less than the other models, which is also why it only supports weight up to 700 lbs.

Pros: This engine support arm is lightweight and easy to use, making jobs quicker and more efficient for smaller motors.

Cons: Not designed for heavier engines but works very well for smaller cars with smaller engines.

This is a great option for anyone who works on cars with engines that are smaller. You will not regret getting this piece of equipment if you will be doing a lot of work on smaller cars.

4. OTC 4324 Stinger 1100 lbs Support Bar

The OTC 4324 Stinger support bar is a high-quality heavy-duty engine support bar. The 1100 lbs weight capacity makes this a great choice for anyone who wants to work on vehicles with larger and smaller engines.

The price is a little higher on this unit but it makes up for it with its higher quality. The chains are longer giving you more room to adjust the motor.

The bar is made out of steel, weighing 43.9 lbs and will hold up well over time. This support bar has rubber legs that make a better grip to the vehicle.

The legs also swivel allowing you to go at the engine from different angles which can be extremely helpful in certain situations.

The dimensions for this piece of equipment are as follows: 62 x 6 x 5 inches.

Pros: This unit is heavier and sturdier than others and will work well for large engines that need a little something extra.

Cons: There are not many cons on this one, except that the weight makes it heavier to move around.

This is the best pick from this list for anyone who wants to spend a little more to get something that is more heavy-duty and durable.

Sometimes it takes a heavier piece of equipment to get the work done safely and without any problems.

5. OTC Tools 1725 Three Point Engine Support Bar

The OTC 1725 Three Point Engine support bar is the most expensive support bar on this list. However, it’s unique design and high-quality make it a great product for anyone who is looking for something reliable.

There is only a 700 lb weight capacity for this support bar so it is best used on smaller vehicles. The three-point system has a unique leveling system that makes this the best choice for vehicles with a sloped hood.

This engine support is made out of steel and has PVC coating. This unit comes with cables instead of chains, that hold up to 700 lbs.

One of the best features of this support bar is ease of use. It is very easy to maneuver and will come in handy in many situations, such as transmission work, replacing clutches, and more.

The dimensions for this piece of equipment are as follows: 71 x 12 x 12 inches.

Pros: I love this unit because it has the third point and leveling system that allows you to work on sloped hoods.

Cons: This is a long unit and can be a little bit bulky feeling but overall it is a great tool for working on smaller vehicles.

You’re going to love the versatility of this design. It’s easy to use and will make the job of holding up an engine much safer than a jack.

Engine Support Bar Buyers Guide

An engine support bar has many useful options. To find out which of these are the best option for your project you need to consider what your needs are.

Things to consider:

• What size is your car and engine?
• Is price a factor in your decision?
• Are you using it professionally?

These are just a few considerations for your final decision. Anyone who is thinking about buying a tool or piece of automotive equipment needs to answer these questions. Some products are designed for heavy use and some for light use.

If you are working on multiple sized cars and engines you may want to go with a higher weight rated support bar such as the 1100 lb bars.

For lighter weight cars and engines, the 700 lb support bars will work perfectly for you.

Price is usually a factor in most situations, but when it comes to safety you most likely do not want to buy something cheap.

All of the equipment on this list are high-quality and affordable.

When buying parts and tools online always check out the other reviews (even if you like our assessment/review of the products.)

Renting VS Buying Equipment

In some situations, you may not be working on vehicles very often and may just need to rent a piece of equipment. However, oftentimes the price of renting automotive equipment, along with the time and distance to drive to get it can be overkill.

Count the cost and consider purchasing the equipment over renting it if you think the price could be close to the same.

You never know when you might need it for future projects, and if you are anything like me, having the right tools when you need them can be a lifesaver.

Buying Automotive Equipment Best Practices

Sometimes when buying automotive equipment and tools there can be some trial and error involved.

The more due diligence you do the more likely you will get a quality piece of gear that will stay in your tool collection for a lifetime.

Best practices for buying automotive gear:

1. Research as much as you can when choosing gear
2. Don’t always go for the cheap items
3. Consider ease of use and durability
4. Consider quality for items you will use the most.

Use these best practices and follow this guide and you will no doubt find the best engine support bar for your situation.

What Did We Learn?

Having an engine support bar can save you the hassle of moving a jack around to find that sweet spot (and keep you and your engine safe).

These units are made out of steel, and have many options that make just about any maneuver easy to handle. Also, trusting that it will hold up to the weight.

You don’t have to be a professional mechanic to do everything on your vehicle. Even DIYers can use quality tools and get the work done right.

Either way, this buyer’s guide should help you find exactly what you’re looking for at the price point you’re working with.

Good luck with your project and remember to always work safely and with confidence. You got this!