I have a 1984 2.8L V6 engine and would like to bench test it out of vehicle. Can anyone give me a simple setup for this?

 

Push it hard, it'll hit the ground fast! Seriously, what are you wanting to do? Compression test, or? Is the motor bolted to an engine stand? If the starter is bolted to the engine you could remove the spark plugs, hook up the compression guage and jump the starter to a battery source to get average readings for all cylinders if that's what your after...

 

The engine is complete. Its hanging on an engine hoist.We wanted to actually fire up the motor. But not to sure of the electrical connections to make with the main wiring harness disconnected.Is there a simple setup for this?

 

Fire it up hanging on the hoist? Doesnt sound too safe. It should be mounted to a secure platform... soild engine stand at least and then only to perform a compression test.

If the engine's electronics and fuel system are computer controlled it'll probably be easiest to just install the engine into the vehicle. That's assuming that the receiving vehicle has all the necessary electronics and the proper fuel system to get the engine up and running. You can perform the engine diagnostics with the engine in the vehicle in a much safer manner.

Another suggestion is to take the engine into a local engine machine shop that is capable of putting the engine on a dyno and testing it's running performance. Might be a little extra expense up front but on the other hand it might be worth it to know what you have to work with..