A pallet-based support system for use in assembling a vehicle engine that includes an engine block is described herein. The pallet-based support system includes a first jig and a second jig configured to couple to the engine block. The system also includes a first support arm and a second support arm extending from the pallet and each of the support arms includes a cradle structure. The system also includes a first adapter structure coupled to the first jig. The first adapter structure is configured to be releasably coupled to one of the cradle structures by lowering the engine block towards the pallet. The first adapter structure engages the cradle structure and is configured to be positioned in at least three orientations with respect to the cradle structure.