Engine install FAQs
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 334
Likes: 14
From: Fort Wayne Indiana
Engine install FAQs
Sorry for the NooB questions but searching doesn't get to the point.
I have my 68 ready to go for the 427. After many years in storage (15+) the engine has been reassembled and ready for me. I last saw the car and motor together before I entered the service years and years ago. Sorry...to the point:
I was planning on having the motor installed by a Shop or referenced friends. A few friends however insist it will be fun to do it ourselves. Mind you I've NEVER attempted an engine pull or install. With the 4speed still in the car after all these years, how feasible is it for a motor novice to get the block in on our own? Ill still need to assemble the tri-power and other accessories later, but what about just the block assembly? Any major pitfalls or steps to be weary of? I'm decent at taking apart and reassembling...but I've never seen the "together" part before
Thanks for any tips or experiences.
I have my 68 ready to go for the 427. After many years in storage (15+) the engine has been reassembled and ready for me. I last saw the car and motor together before I entered the service years and years ago. Sorry...to the point:
I was planning on having the motor installed by a Shop or referenced friends. A few friends however insist it will be fun to do it ourselves. Mind you I've NEVER attempted an engine pull or install. With the 4speed still in the car after all these years, how feasible is it for a motor novice to get the block in on our own? Ill still need to assemble the tri-power and other accessories later, but what about just the block assembly? Any major pitfalls or steps to be weary of? I'm decent at taking apart and reassembling...but I've never seen the "together" part before
Thanks for any tips or experiences.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,241
Likes: 4
From: Okinawa Okinawa
I did it by myself with zero experience. Between "How to Rebuild your Chevy Small Block" the AIM and this forum, I was able to pull my old motor and replace it with a crate engine very easily. Just make sure anything you want to do to the motor bay is done before you put the engine back in.
To answer your question, I would save the money, rent a cherry picker, and install the engine yourself. If you run into any problems, this forum is full of very knowledgable people that help out.
To answer your question, I would save the money, rent a cherry picker, and install the engine yourself. If you run into any problems, this forum is full of very knowledgable people that help out.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,192
Likes: 7
From: Wentzville MO
Search for videos on youtube. We pulled my buddies engine out and reinstalled 3 times last year. Last time we had it pulled in just under 2 hours. Remove the hood and get some good fender protectors. Take pictures along the way.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,272
Likes: 17
support the trans in its aprox. location with a floor jack, put the car up on jack stands so you can get under if needed, dont install the exhaust manifolds or distributer till the engine is in, do everything....slowly. crank up the rock n roll, break out the beer, assign one person to be designated beer go getter...I sometimes leave the motor mounts off till the engine and trans are mated.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,147
Likes: 151
Two things weren't mentioned,if you come in from the frt you'll need a long cherry picker c-3 have a long frt endor you could come in from the side of the car. Get a load leveler(rent don't buy a cheapy)they are a big help in tilting the engine.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 334
Likes: 14
From: Fort Wayne Indiana
Thanks for all the tips and advice! My confidence is building after these posts. My trouble is lack of experience, the motor was pulled for the rebuild before I owned the car. In fact I haven't seen the motor complete in so long! The advice of aligning the clutch disc is huge! These are things I don't know of. I'm looking for a step by step procedure on this as I'm a previous instruction kind of guy. I've heard from the side is best due to the long nose. The manifolds, distributor and radiatior are all off or removed. I've grown accustomed to what that empty engine bay looks like. Keep these tips coming ll, I really appreciate it!