Otherwise...I would install them together myself...
Engine install - W or W/O Tranny
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,118
Likes: 0
Engine install - W or W/O Tranny
'69 Vette - 4speed - fixed tranny crossmember - hood off - radiator & support out...
So what's the best way to approach removing/installing a BB motor? As
one unit with the tranny or separate? I'd really like to put the thing together before it goes in, and will be using a load leveler.
Also, how high would both the car & the ceiling need to be?
So what's the best way to approach removing/installing a BB motor? As
one unit with the tranny or separate? I'd really like to put the thing together before it goes in, and will be using a load leveler.
Also, how high would both the car & the ceiling need to be?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 2,675
Likes: 13
From: Sudbury MA
I have done smallblocks (not bigblocks) both ways and just recently did my 68 with fourspeed with the transmission and engine as one unit. Doing it as one unit is much easier and faster. I have a regular garage with 8 foot ceiling and I had it in and bolted up in less than one hour. Surprised me as I am just a do it yourselfer, not a professional mechanic. Bolt it up outside the car and drop it in from the front using an engine gantry and one of those levelers with a crank that lets you put an angle on the engine and guide it right in. I did mine alone with no help. Piece of cake.
Kurt
Kurt
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 19,659
Likes: 34
From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Let me add another vote for going in as one unit. I had help but we put the engine and tranny in with a cherry picker. Mine is a small block though. It is going to be a little heavier with a BB.
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: McAllen TX
What can I say, I'm no expert either but I installed my BB with the headers on (loose but already in place) and tranny separate. I didn't want to remove the hood because I was concerned it would no longer align properly.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 21,457
Likes: 463
From: Massillon,Ohio USA
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Cruise-In VI Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12
...I did my '75 earlier this Spring as a unit, but then the tranny came BACK OUT three times later... 
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,118
Likes: 0
Hey Tnx! I'm getting the impression "together" is the way to go... 
I'd just like the "10 minute" crew to show up over here! 
So how high was the car up on the stands for this? The tranny tail is going to have to be guided up over the crossmember, but I'll have some help for this.
I'd just like the "10 minute" crew to show up over here! So how high was the car up on the stands for this? The tranny tail is going to have to be guided up over the crossmember, but I'll have some help for this.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 10,643
Likes: 8
From: Foxfield CO 1970 Convertible
Originally Posted by Chris69
Hey Tnx! I'm getting the impression "together" is the way to go... I'd just like the "10 minute" crew to show up over here!
So how high was the car up on the stands for this? The tranny tail is going to have to be guided up over the crossmember, but I'll have some help for this.
I'd just like the "10 minute" crew to show up over here! So how high was the car up on the stands for this? The tranny tail is going to have to be guided up over the crossmember, but I'll have some help for this.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,714
Likes: 42
From: Austin Texas
i could not tell from reading your post. but my deal is this.
if the transmission is out of the car already, bolt them up and jack your car up as high as you can.
if the transmission is still in the car though. there is NO WAY i would remove the transmission just to put it back in.
i installed a small block with an automatic in mine. big block, small block, auto or stick, its still only 6 bolts on the bell housing right?
if the transmission is out of the car already, bolt them up and jack your car up as high as you can.
if the transmission is still in the car though. there is NO WAY i would remove the transmission just to put it back in.
i installed a small block with an automatic in mine. big block, small block, auto or stick, its still only 6 bolts on the bell housing right?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,330
Likes: 6
From: Long Island NY
On a '78 with a ST-10 and stock shifter, is the shifter removed or just unbolted from the tranny and left in place. I know the linkage is removed from the tranny side, just not sure about the shifter itself. I've done a lot of automatics removals, but this is my first 4 spd...
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,897
Likes: 0
From: Moon Township PA
I have done both SB and BB with the tranny attached. everything was on the engine with the exception of the starter and exhaust manifold. You will want to use the jack screw leveling device that allows you to tilt the nose up or down, for ease of installation. Well worth the $40-50 for this doo-hickey.
Gary
Gary
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 20,216
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From: Smile, it's just the internet.
I did a BB by myself with the tranny installed. Definitely do it this way. I even had the radiator support in my way. Remove the shifter and distributor. Use a leveler. Put the car on the ground but take one wheel off and suport that corner with jack stand or blocks. Come in from the side. Ceiling shouldn't be an issue if you keep the chain length short. It's faster if you have help (one on the lift, one on the leveler)