Where do I hook up an Engine Support Bar?

[bloodsnot]

Replacing a smashed oil pan and, after having done some research, have opted to lift the engine a tad to make it possible to get the pan out without removing the pump.

I'm borrowing my roommate's engine support bar from Harbor Freight as recommended on some other posts but can't find anywhere to hook the chains to!

Here are pics of my engine bay: Driver's side & Passenger side

I've found a prior post from someone who did the same thing but he had this handy hook right at the front of the valve cover which I am conspicuously missing..

Anybody know a good way to use one of these things on an M20?!

Car is an '85 M20B23 euro model.

[SmokeE30]

motor mount arms should work, I think that's how I did mine.

[StereoInstaller1]

Right by the starter is a roughly 7/8" hole in the block.

Nuts, bolts and chain is how I do it and it is a pain in the ass.

I hear tell of a "J Hook" tool that can slip into the hole, as there is access to that hole from both sides and it is a perfect match to the front lift point...but I cant tell you more than that.

GL!
Luke

[bloodsnot]

motor mount arms should work, I think that's how I did mine.

I think that's what I may have to do. I'll need to get some longer chains, though.

I hear tell of a "J Hook" tool that can slip into the hole, as there is access to that hole from both sides and it is a perfect match to the front lift point...but I cant tell you more than that.

GL!
Luke

Thanks Luke. Can anyone else offer input on how to procure one of these J-Hooks?

[mr.vang]

i just removed an oil pan from a m20 yesterday. i loosen the motor mount and tranny mount. then i lift the tranny with a jack and pulled the oil pan out. its a bare block with no hoses or wires connecting to it though.

[bloodsnot]

I ended up just wrapping some ratchet straps around the support bar and the motor mount arms, unbolting the motor and tranny mounts, and jacking it up from the bottom of the [cracked] oil pan. This made it easier to remove the rest of the oil pan bolts but I did have to re-attach the pan to jack it up a bit further to clear the pump.

Boy was I relieved to finally have that thing out. Had gotten too dark to continue but hopefully installation goes a bit better now that I have my bearings down there. Just hope a strap doesn't snap overnight!

The inverse Torx head bolts on the bell housing cover plate were an unpleasant surprise but luckily a friend was able to loan me a set of sockets for them. Apparently all the engine internals on his S1000RR use them.