OK, this is something I have been wondering about as my engine is just about finished getting worked on at the machine shop.
How difficult would it be to break in the cam, do an initial test run with the engine / tranny mounted to the subframe, but not attached to the car? The rad could be mounted to the support and fixed so it wont move around, and Im thinking jackstands could be put under each corner of the subframe.
I've just been thinking that IF there is an issue (oil leak etc) that it would be a lot easier to fix without the car being in the way. Anyone try this yet?

Yes, I supposed it could be done, but what about a fuel supply, battery, throttle control? You are basically replicating an engine test stand. The other thing I would be concerned about is if you are just using the subframe then you have no idea what the motor is doing because your guages won't be hooked up.

If you really want to fire the engine up out of the car, I would fab up an engine test stand like they used to have in the high school auto shop class and then get some gauges etc to do it right. If you are really crazy about it, then rent some dyno time.

Leaks can be a PIA but they are fixable in the car.

I was thinking as far as fuel, just a length of steel line, then rubber hose into a fuel can. I have a mechanical oil pressure gauge on the shelf, and could hook up a temp gauge easily enough. I guess you have a good point though, if the fenders are left off, there's really not much difference in the long run, maybe Im just thinking more then working lol.

I've done just that on every Corvette and Cobra I've built/restored; here's my temporary break-in setup on my tube-frame Grand Sport, with just enough electrical and instrument panel to monitor what's important during cam break-in. Lots easier to deal with any issues without the body in the way.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-2/13522/200222815326-3-GSPreRun1.jpg

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-2/13522/200222815326-4-GSPreRun2.jpg

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-2/13522/200222815326-5-GSPreRun3.jpg

:beers:

Thanks JohnZ, thats pretty much what I was thinking about doing. It cant be all that hard to rig up something for temp use.
Thanks again.

Put some kind of mufflers on it.Just because oil pressure and temp are good you could have other issues that you cant hear.