reinstalling engine - headers/radiator
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 2,358
Likes: 519
reinstalling engine - headers/radiator
Hey All,
This weekend I am planning on rebuilding my suspension and initiating a Borgeson conversion. At this point there is not much left in the bay. The radiator and it's support are also out.
I have purchased a used aftermarket HD aluminum radiator, a healthy core support (the old one was many holes with some rust around them
) and a Black Magic electric fan complete with shroud.
I am thinking it may be a lot easier to install the core support and electric fan before dropping the (manual) transmission and motor back in.
Would that work?
I am also considering bolting on the headers as well. I hate header leaks and never seem to be able to get the bolts good and tight once in the care...
Is that a thing, installing with headers on? Or would that be more of a hassle than it is worth?
I think I also read something about the fuel pump... that one should remove it before installing or pulling the engine ?
MTIADC3
This weekend I am planning on rebuilding my suspension and initiating a Borgeson conversion. At this point there is not much left in the bay. The radiator and it's support are also out.
I have purchased a used aftermarket HD aluminum radiator, a healthy core support (the old one was many holes with some rust around them
) and a Black Magic electric fan complete with shroud.I am thinking it may be a lot easier to install the core support and electric fan before dropping the (manual) transmission and motor back in.
Would that work?
I am also considering bolting on the headers as well. I hate header leaks and never seem to be able to get the bolts good and tight once in the care...
Is that a thing, installing with headers on? Or would that be more of a hassle than it is worth?
I think I also read something about the fuel pump... that one should remove it before installing or pulling the engine ?
MTIADC3
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,115
Likes: 412
From: Washington State
Hello,
When swapping motors in my 69 I always had the radiator out as well as fans either electric or clutched.
I have been successful in dropping motors in with the headers on as well as the tranny bolted up to the engine.
Scott
When swapping motors in my 69 I always had the radiator out as well as fans either electric or clutched.
I have been successful in dropping motors in with the headers on as well as the tranny bolted up to the engine.
Scott
Racer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 433
Likes: 14
From: GA
Good luck.
Jim
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,086
Likes: 786
From: Lebanon Township New Jersey
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,218
Likes: 9,356
From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
Paint the front frame and engine bay if you have the time. It will make your car happy.
The fuel pump comes close and will hit the motor mount and the front A frame but it is easier to tilt the motor and be careful than to try and get your hand in there to install the fuel pump after. The motor has to tilt over and down in front of the radiator support. The oil pan comes very close. If its out already, mount the motor then the radiator support. I mount my Rams Horns then drop in the motor. If the headers hug the motor then it may be worth it but getting past the steering and power brake booster may be a challenge. I would mount them after t the motors intalled myself. Theres not much room and if your using a cherry picker over the side its going to be a hassle anyway. I've got a X-Y hoist with engine tilt hanging from the rafters and with my Dads help I still have to do a lot of managing to get my motor and tranny in without gouging the firewall
The fuel pump comes close and will hit the motor mount and the front A frame but it is easier to tilt the motor and be careful than to try and get your hand in there to install the fuel pump after. The motor has to tilt over and down in front of the radiator support. The oil pan comes very close. If its out already, mount the motor then the radiator support. I mount my Rams Horns then drop in the motor. If the headers hug the motor then it may be worth it but getting past the steering and power brake booster may be a challenge. I would mount them after t the motors intalled myself. Theres not much room and if your using a cherry picker over the side its going to be a hassle anyway. I've got a X-Y hoist with engine tilt hanging from the rafters and with my Dads help I still have to do a lot of managing to get my motor and tranny in without gouging the firewall
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,218
Likes: 9,356
From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
Yes it doesn't get in the way at all. I forgot to mention That I don't disconnect the power steering hoses. I remove the pump and bracket and leave it roped forward towards the radiator support out of the way. That way I don't have to deal with fluids at all
