This is my first pull, and I have a question.

Do I need to support the trans (auto) to keep it from dropping after I unbolt it?


If you guys got any tips, I would appreciate them as well.

 

Yes, support the tranny. Use a bottle jack or similar so you move it up or down to ease the engine removal. Then when engine is out, have a permanent support for it --a hydraulic jack will leak down. I used a 5' 2x4 across the cowl with coat hangers down to two bellhousing bolts. Not glamorous, but it works.
Other tips? Hard to say...It's a ladydog on a Vette....Take your time... Getting the radiator out was easily 1/3 of the time and 2/3 of the hassle...Have fun,

John

 

Yes

I used a floor jack with a 2 x 4 under the tranny pan.

Chris B

 

Yes, you'll need to support the tranny. Here are some suggestions.

Disconnect the battery first !

Try to do everthing thing you can from the top of the car first. Start by pulling you distributor to avoid busting it since you'll have to tilt the back end of the engine down.

For my 79, I had to remove the radiator just to get the fan shroud off. Go ahead and remove the fan.

To get an engine hoist under the car since our Vette's noises are soo long, you might need to remove one of the front tires and run the hoist in from the side.

 

I already got everything out including the radiator and headers. The only thing that is hooked up is the tranny and the motor to the mounts. I dont have a leveler or lift plate. Planning on hitting harbor freight in the morning, but the guy I talked to on the phone says they dont carry them. I don't believe him, but if the really dont carry lift plates, I know they carry balancers, so i'll pick on of them up instead. Maybe I will get some chain if I can't find my rope.

 

Buy a leveller, you will not be sorry. I had a lift plate and cursed when the engine was almost in, but I had the hoist hook in the wrong location (engine needed to be tilted a little more).

Since I got the leveller, I can pull the engine with the bellhousing attached to the engine, and the radiator and fan shroud in place.

A few more suggestions (some are duplicated):

It's scary watching your engine dangle over the fender as you are pulling the hoist out... Make sure the hoist will roll freely.

Remove front tire and make sure jackstand is out of the way of the hoist leg. Make sure car is jacked up enough so you can get underneath it easily.

Make sure you have enough overhead room. The tip of the engine hoist will be about 7' in the air.

Ensure ground wire to block is disconnected.

Disconnect power steering pump from block, this way you can leave the lines hooked up to the pump.

Zip tie all wires, hoses, etc... far out of the way of the engine.

Remove topside stuff like the alternator and Distributor.

Remove pulleys from water pump and dampner (you may not have to if you have already pulled the radiator)

When re-installing, I find it easier to hook the bellhousing to the engine, then just install the four bellhousing to tranny bolts when it is mated.

When re-installing, watch out for the fuel pump on the upper control arm.

Have fun

 

Just pulled mine by myself. Didn't have a leveler. Will get one on install. Just do as every one says-will be no problem.Took about 6 hours from start to finish.

 

Wire or tape your yoke to the trans or it can fall out leaving you a big red puddle

 

Thanks S-10...
PS. Don't walk under the hoist... My buddy Matt obviously doesn't care...

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I hope your kidding!!

Use chain, and you've gotten great advise so far.

 

The lift plate is only $10... It will hold the tranny just fine... Oh yeah GRADE 8 BOLTS!!!!!
Jon

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I got the engine leveler from harbor freight for about $25 or so.

 

I'm pulling my 454 this afternoon from the right side, I'll shoot some pics. I use a Summit Racing leveler, makes it much easier. Even though it has been done a bazillion times, I just don't like the lift plate idea, those little bolts in an aluminum manifold with an iron head BB. makes me nervous.

 

Thanks guys. I couldn't get my hands on a lift plate, and I am too cheap to buy the leveler. I used a hoist with some chains along with grade 8s, but when it comes time to drop the new motor in I will be owning a leveler. It was all pretty simple, and made me think; "People get paid to do this crap?" Within 6 weeks, after i paint the engine compartment and rebuild the front end and suspension, I will be dropping in a 383.

Just wanted to say thanks!

Rock

 

Well, I been pulling engines on and off for nearly 40 years now, and of course installing them, and have yet to use a leveller, I just hook the damn thing untill I get a decent drop on the rear and wiggle it around from there....insert one bellhousing bolt, wiggle and then another bolt...

wiggle till the locating pins seat, hand tighten done....

now MY big advice, buy a REAL engine hook 5' span from support post to front wheels/boom length, and NEVER have that boom hook extended longer than the front wheels, NEVER....

smaller hooks just don't hack it....

GENE