I have the motor out of the 951 and want to lift the front high enough for steam cleaning the underbody. Is the factory tow hook strong enough in shear to use an engine hoist to lift it about 24"-30"? Can it tweak the front bumper? Using a floor jack will present a few problems as the car is parked on a slope and I don't think it will get as high as I want. I will still use jack stands and block everything very well.

 

why not reattach the crossmember and wrap a strap or chain around that?

 

I took a tow rope and attached it to those hooks (looks like where you would tie it down if it were a plane) in the bottom of the engine bay and used my engine hoist to lift it. You just have to chock the wheels on the hoist so it doesn't slide into the front of the car

 

I used the same hooks mike is talking about.

 

No, the tow hook was not designed for vertical load forces. It might work but if it doesn't, the damage caused can be severe.

 

Like Stephen said, there's no way you can safely raise the car from there. That's like jacking the car up by the front bumper.

 

I had no choice and needed to raise mine by the tow hook (without engine)..no severe damage.

 

With the motor out of the car, I'd say there's a very good possibility that it'll be fine. Especially if you lift from as close to the bumper as you possibly can.

However...are you willing to chance it on a "very good possibility" ?

 

MichelleJD has done this. She recently posted the picture somewhere. PM her for it.

 

I did do it with no damages. YMMV.

 

Thanks everyone. I had completely forgot about those tie down loops on the frame since I removed them last spring. I'll track them down and put them back on. They do sound like a safer option to lift without damage. It does appear like the tow hook method can be done since several here have tried it. I tried just lifting the tow hook by hand without the hoist and was surprised how light it felt. Once that engine is out, 75% of the weight is in the rear.

 

Grab the drivers-side chassis beam using a sling. We moved it around like that without any damage.

 

If you want easy access, you can place straps around where the bumper shocks meet the bumper bar and tie those together.