Engine install - trans at same time?
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 18,191
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From: Snake handler
Engine install - trans at same time?
In my youth I installed engines with the tranny attached with little trouble. However, I've never done it on a C2. (only installed on bare frame...)
Because so many things are different on the C2 (engine set back for one...) what am I in for?
I know I'll need a balancer/tilter. I've also got the car on jack stands and will probably lower the front to minimize the angle of the engine/trans combo - I've removed headers, fan assemb, distributor, etc.)
Should I do the trans first and then the engine? Or go for it and do 'em both at once?
Because so many things are different on the C2 (engine set back for one...) what am I in for?
I know I'll need a balancer/tilter. I've also got the car on jack stands and will probably lower the front to minimize the angle of the engine/trans combo - I've removed headers, fan assemb, distributor, etc.)
Should I do the trans first and then the engine? Or go for it and do 'em both at once?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 2,460
Likes: 5
From: Wheaton IL
Definitely both at once if you already have everything out. The transmission by itself is such a pain that some pull the engine to get to the trans. Remove the radiator and shroud and you shoudln;t have a problem. I installed my combo with the fuel pump and without the exhaust manifolds.
Brian
Brian
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 455
Likes: 4
From: Trois Rivieres Quebec
Don't forget
You might want to make sure the cherry picker you are using has extendable legs, because you will need the maximum reach you can get in order to ease it down correctly between the front engine mounts.
Stepinwolf
Drive your Corvettes
as if each day was your last
Stepinwolf
Drive your Corvettes
as if each day was your last
Moderator
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 7,117
Likes: 51
From: Dove Mountain Arizona
I left the trans in. I used a chain hoist because the picker was too short to come in from the front. No issues at all. Oh yeah, I had to remove the fuel pump to reinstall but that's it. 
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 18,191
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From: Snake handler
When we took it out we discovered the lift was too short and had to go at it from the side. The lift I'm getting today is huge. Thanks for the input. We'll do 'em both at once.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 18,191
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From: Snake handler
What a day! I got the lift but can't find a tilter to rent ANYWHERE! I even looked for one to buy and nuthin'.
Motor mission scrapped for today. Try again tomorrow. Perhaps the side approach is the ticket?
Motor mission scrapped for today. Try again tomorrow. Perhaps the side approach is the ticket?
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Michael S. Palmer
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Central Arkansas
Originally Posted by panchop
remove the radiator support and it will be easier to get the angle you need.
Good idea, especially if headroom where you are working is tight for the lift.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 769
Likes: 1
From: Henderson MI
It can be done pretty easy (if there is enough reach) using a bracket mounted in the manifold. (and this is a BB)
I used the front hole (pic #1) to get the proper angle to get it most all the way in with trans attached. Then (in pic #2) you switch to the rear most hole and that lessons the angle and it slips right in.
Pic #1 Used front hole in bracket to get it most of the way in.
Pic #2 switched to rear hole in bracket to finish.
Chuck
I used the front hole (pic #1) to get the proper angle to get it most all the way in with trans attached. Then (in pic #2) you switch to the rear most hole and that lessons the angle and it slips right in.
Pic #1 Used front hole in bracket to get it most of the way in.
Pic #2 switched to rear hole in bracket to finish.
Chuck
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,424
Likes: 619
From: northern CA
Originally Posted by pjmonfre
What a day! I got the lift but can't find a tilter to rent ANYWHERE! I even looked for one to buy and nuthin'.
Motor mission scrapped for today. Try again tomorrow. Perhaps the side approach is the ticket?
Motor mission scrapped for today. Try again tomorrow. Perhaps the side approach is the ticket?
Last edited by mrg; Jun 4, 2005 at 11:10 PM.
