Pulling engine for the 1st time, Need advice
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Wyandotte Michigan
Pulling engine for the 1st time, Need advice
So this is the 1st time Im pulling an engine out of a this 79 Corvette, and was just wondering , of all those that have done this, what is the best way to set up the car.(ie: on jack stands)
I assume the front of the vehicle should probably be up as high as I can get it, (Pulling trans with motor) , should i raise the rear of the vehicle too.. was just looking for some advise so I didn't have to screw around too much. the only help I'll have doing this is my 14 year old who Im trying to teach him a thing or two, as he is clueless lol .. I assume there will be many opinions on how best to do this , so the most consistent way will be the way I try.. thanks in advance
I assume the front of the vehicle should probably be up as high as I can get it, (Pulling trans with motor) , should i raise the rear of the vehicle too.. was just looking for some advise so I didn't have to screw around too much. the only help I'll have doing this is my 14 year old who Im trying to teach him a thing or two, as he is clueless lol .. I assume there will be many opinions on how best to do this , so the most consistent way will be the way I try.. thanks in advance
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,315
Likes: 1,585
From: Western NY
Since you're removing the engine and transmission as a unit, then yes, you'll need to have the car SECURELY sitting on jackstands, as you'll need the extra room underneath the car, to pivot the engine/tranny out. HOWEVER, keep in mind that some engine hoists, if that's what you'll be using, don't have enough upward travel, to then get the engine over the nose of the car. And the real problem there, is that you won't be able to determine this until you've got the engine hanging at that point....
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Wyandotte Michigan
Since you're removing the engine and transmission as a unit, then yes, you'll need to have the car SECURELY sitting on jackstands, as you'll need the extra room underneath the car, to pivot the engine/tranny out. HOWEVER, keep in mind that some engine hoists, if that's what you'll be using, don't have enough upward travel, to then get the engine over the nose of the car. And the real problem there, is that you won't be able to determine this until you've got the engine hanging at that point....
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
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From: Im not allowed to tell you
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Which ever side you are pulling it from, pull off that front tire, it will give you a lot more manuevering room, make sure the car is high enough to clear the lower A arm but not too high that the motor wont clear the fender. I pulled my hood so i didnt have to worry about banging it up and I used fender covers and moving blankets to save the paint if the tranny slipped. I also have a motor tilting hanger that I greased the crap out of so that it cranked easily and smoothly. It helps with getting the motor and tranny tilted when I installed it. I generally pull the motor and tranny separate and install them as a unit. If you have a quick jack its makes it faster and easier to get he tranny out the bottom.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 441
Likes: 22
From: Northeast OH
I just did mine a few weeks ago, the oil pan was off so that gave me plenty of room to clear the fender. I left my car on three wheels and removed one front wheel, with a jack ready to lift or lower that corner as needed.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 44,636
Likes: 1,827
From: Huntsville AL
NAPA 2 Ton Cherry Picker - $199.99
I have both and the Harbor Freight Gantry Crane is the bomb, I lift both engines, frames and bodies.
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From: Easton, PA
St. Jude Donor '10
I have used my gantry alone, and in combination with my lift, to remove the body, remove engine and transmission, etc. Given my personal choice I lift the body off and work with the engine and all other chassis work while the body is up and out of the way, but that's just me. Good luck with your decision.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 797
Likes: 156
From: England AR
Im talking about a heavy 6 ton, because i never leave cherry pickers stock ram length, i always extend them 2-4 foot on the jib cuz stock length doesnt clear much of anything, but i wouldnt dare do that on cheaper hoists. You end up with a ruined car and a mangled lift if your lucky, missing fingers or worse if your not.
btw the gantry with electric lift and trolleys, is more like 1100.00, and a good HD 6k cherry picker is about 900.00
I have used my gantry alone, and in combination with my lift, to remove the body, remove engine and transmission, etc. Given my personal choice I lift the body off and work with the engine and all other chassis work while the body is up and out of the way, but that's just me. Good luck with your decision.i seriously almost pulled the body, but i was worried about losing motivation when i see it like that, i usually have issues with the whole "fix it while im in there" next thing you know the car is in a million pieces and you've lost your motivation and its not good 😖😖
Last edited by naramlee; Oct 17, 2018 at 10:36 AM.