Hi guys,

This'll be my first time pulling an engine, and am looking for a pretty detailed, step by step instructions. I've searched the archives and internet to no avail, and was hoping maybe someone had a paper or another source of info, maybe a book I should look into?

Just a basic 4 speed, 350. I've already pulled the radiator as that needed to be replaced, so I have plenty of room. The exhaust manifolds have been removed as well.

 

block up the tranny then take out the bellhousing bolts, disonnect the fuel line, electrical connections to the alternator and distributor, remove the distributor, take out the ground cable bolt, disconnect the wires to the starter solenoid, disconnect the accelerator cable. Remove the two long motor mount bolts.

attach the pull chains to the motor, and remove...

If you want to pull the tranny then you have more work to do, but it's not necessary to pull the tranny, unless you're going to replace the clutch.

 

Hi, The "Haynes Repair Manual" gives you some good step by step instructions, you can get it at most auto parts stores.
The Corvette Shop Manual and Corvette service manual are also good books but you'll have to order them from one on the sponsors. PG

 

Well, it's all easier with the hood off so that's step 1.
Then you've got to drain the coolant (which has already been done in your case, go ahead and mark and take out distributor, disconnect accessories (alternator, ps, a/c, etc), take off manifolds/headers (you can just move them to the side, remove plugs, disconnect starter, remove z-bar, take out engine mount bolts, disconnect carb, fuel line, and throttle linkage and I usually remove carb, disconnect any wires like water temp lead on head and oil pressure line on back of block.
Now you need to decide if you're pulling engine and tranny or just engine. I like pulling it all cause it's hard to get to the bellhousing bolts and hard to get to the transmission mount bolts when it's all in the car. So I disconnect driveshaft, tape the yoke to the tailshaft with duct tape, disconnect shifter linkage, disconnect speedo cable on transmission, backup light, tranny mount bolts, etc. From there you're pretty much ready to pull it. I take the passenger wheel off and position my engine lift coming in from the side. Remember you have to come up and forward a bit before it comes over and out so make sure your jackstand isn't going to be in the way of the engine lift leg. The c3 nose is a bit long so you really can't pull it from the front. You might also want to tape/plug up water pump outlets if you still have water in the block. You could also remove the water drain holes and drain the water but sometimes those are hard to get to while in the car.
Here's some pics of my last BB install: http://www.nwhoustonvette-rods.com/T...7Install1.html

 

Most of this is done. I've already removed the fuel lines, removed electrical connections, removed the alternator and distributor.

Is this little project a PITA? How much time am I looking at? Should I expect it to pop right out or will it need some work? Where are the big problem areas?

I'm trying to find something detailed, possibly with pictures, maybe even some tips.

 

Don't make too much of following specific instructions step-by-step. It's really not that hard.

I'd recommend using an engine puller with a screw type leveling mechanism. You can really move the engine around and it's easier to manipulate. Another thing that's not mentioned often is how to attach the chain (or chains). The best way might be to get a set of those lifting loops or your engine might already have them. A cheaper way is to get a good strong set of bolts and washers. Pass them through the chain then screw them into the ends of the heads. If you decide to use a carb attachment plate to lift, then the leveling mechanism won't help. The engine will just have to come out at whatever angle it wants to...

Make sure everything is disconnected and start lifting slowly.

 

Would you not recommend the carb attachment plate? That was the route I was planning on going. I was also gonna detatch the transmission so I wouldn't have to worry about that.

 

I wouldnt. I have had them go swinging when they come out of the mounts. If you have an extra set of hands that will help you out a lot.

 

So you recommend bolting them into the heads? Where exactly do you hook them up? Are there other more secure places on the engine?

I just bought the book Haynes Techbkook Chevy Engine Overhaul Manual. Supposedly there's detailed instructions in there on pulling the engine. Anyone use this book?

 

If its a factory motor it should have 2 hoops to put hooks in. They are on the front and rear of the intake manifold using the manifold bolts to hold them in. Your really stressing about pulling it too much. You've got 90% done. Lifting the motor out is the easy part.

 

Ya, I'd rather stress too much though than drop the thing and demolish my whole front end and the engine.

I'm at work now so I can't look at it, but did you mean screw two eye loop bolts into the manifold? I've never seen any loops on the manifold.

 

Someone most likely removed them then. If you have help, use your intake plate. As long as you lift slowly and have the hoist centered over the intake, you'll be fine. Sorry your not any closer or Id come help myself.

 

Hey you've helped alot already. I really appreciate it. Too bad we just left Charlotte for Atlanta.

 

I pulled the engine and transmission together as suggested by several people that had done it before. It was a simple job. You do have to have an engine leveler to do this as you will need to tilt the engine/tran alot to get it in and out.

Make sure you remove the ground wire from the engine to the frame. I forgot and was raising the engine and couldn't figure out why it was being so difficult. I saw the cable. When I removed the bolt from the block the car dropped an inch or so and the engine began bobbing up and down on the end of the hoist.

Check out my website www.thespark.us for some pics.

BTW, I removed the intake and exhaust manifolds to reduce the weight as much as possible. A 454 is pretty heavy.

 

Can you rent the leveler when you rent the hoist? Or will I have to go and buy a leveler?

 

levelers are cheap but if available, rent it..

your heads have accessory bolt holes at the end of the heads, use those to attach the chains or you can use the exhaust bolt holes either way it will work.

 

I fabricated two brackets to lift the engine and transmission together. It hangs at the perfect angle without a leveller... I supported the rear of the trans with a hydr car jack (with wheels) so i could jack it up while it slides in place... piece of cake



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why all the ropes?

 

One was tied to the trans tailshaft and I used that to pull the trans down a little so the pulleys would clear the radiator support. It did not take much to change the angle, the weight was all on the chain.

The other rope I needed to keep it from rotating while I took the photos....

It is a little difficult if you do this all by yourself.....

 

I agree w/most of the posts above. My comment re: the carb plate is that you just can't get the leverage to tilt the engine if you need to. Here's a few shots of my original engine coming out. WARNING: ADULT GRAPHICS BELOW (featuring 32 years of grime and sludge - probably not suitable for children). Note how, with my cheap setup, I could tilt the engine quite a bit front to back.