Best way to pull motor
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 291
Likes: 6
From: Delray Beach FL
Best way to pull motor
I am getting ready to pull the motor in my 1970 this weekend. My car is a 4 speed car. I am wondering what is the best way to disconnect if from the trans. Should I unbolt the bellhousing from the back of the motor or front of trans? Also anyting special to watch for?
Thanks in advance
Marty
Thanks in advance
Marty
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
In a manual car its really easier to pull the tranny and put it back in after the engine is back in. Stabbing the input shaft into the clutch plate can be a PITA.
Rogers recipe is about the best.
Rogers recipe is about the best.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 409
Likes: 13
From: Lavonia Georgia
Pull everything out together.
On re-install, you can either reassemble the whole thing and install as a unit (how I prefer) or at a minimum, get everything correctly aligned before you install, then pull the transmission back off, install the engine and then install the tranny.
Clutch plate alignment can be a PITA....doing it when installed is better if you've got a lift, but still a pain.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,876
Likes: 1
From: Jersey Shore Exit 98
I pulled & installed two 350/4sp cars its easier when the trans is attached. You need two or three guys to help guide the process. 
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
If you dont want to pull the trans.I would unbolt the trans(4 bolts).(If you do the bellhousing you have a lot more bolts+ starter+flywheel shield,lockout cable etc.)Just be careful with the seperation of the input shaft and clutch.Its easy to bend things.Going back in with the trans in the car IMO is a bitch.Just make sure everthing is level,straight and the clutch is aligned to accept the input shaft.If it doesnt go right in stop and recheck -if you force it you'll probably have trouble later.
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Verdad Gallardo
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 14,380
Likes: 6,391
From: At my Bar drinking and wrenching in Lafayette Colorado
I have to disagree with you guys here... I've pulled dozens of Vette engines leaving the 4-speed tranny in the car, and it's a piece of cake.
Unbolt the engine from the bellhousing - 6 bolts that are easily accessible. Just support the tranny/bellhousing when you pull the engine. The tranny, bellhousing and shifter stays in the car without needing to be touched. Doing it this way, it takes me 55 minutes to pull a small block out of a C2 or C3. As long as you precisely align the clutch when you re-assemble the engine, the re-installation is easy. Do it.
Unbolt the engine from the bellhousing - 6 bolts that are easily accessible. Just support the tranny/bellhousing when you pull the engine. The tranny, bellhousing and shifter stays in the car without needing to be touched. Doing it this way, it takes me 55 minutes to pull a small block out of a C2 or C3. As long as you precisely align the clutch when you re-assemble the engine, the re-installation is easy. Do it.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
I have to disagree with you guys here... I've pulled dozens of Vette engines leaving the 4-speed tranny in the car, and it's a piece of cake.
Unbolt the engine from the bellhousing - 6 bolts that are easily accessible. Just support the tranny/bellhousing when you pull the engine. The tranny, bellhousing and shifter stays in the car without needing to be touched. Doing it this way, it takes me 55 minutes to pull a small block out of a C2 or C3. As long as you precisely align the clutch when you re-assemble the engine, the re-installation is easy. Do it.
Unbolt the engine from the bellhousing - 6 bolts that are easily accessible. Just support the tranny/bellhousing when you pull the engine. The tranny, bellhousing and shifter stays in the car without needing to be touched. Doing it this way, it takes me 55 minutes to pull a small block out of a C2 or C3. As long as you precisely align the clutch when you re-assemble the engine, the re-installation is easy. Do it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
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From: Fernandina Beach FL
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
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I have to disagree with you guys here... I've pulled dozens of Vette engines leaving the 4-speed tranny in the car, and it's a piece of cake.
Unbolt the engine from the bellhousing - 6 bolts that are easily accessible. Just support the tranny/bellhousing when you pull the engine. The tranny, bellhousing and shifter stays in the car without needing to be touched. Doing it this way, it takes me 55 minutes to pull a small block out of a C2 or C3. As long as you precisely align the clutch when you re-assemble the engine, the re-installation is easy. Do it.
Unbolt the engine from the bellhousing - 6 bolts that are easily accessible. Just support the tranny/bellhousing when you pull the engine. The tranny, bellhousing and shifter stays in the car without needing to be touched. Doing it this way, it takes me 55 minutes to pull a small block out of a C2 or C3. As long as you precisely align the clutch when you re-assemble the engine, the re-installation is easy. Do it.
Although I'm closer to two hours- leaving the trans in takes less time.
Richard
Limping across the line
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 5,299
Likes: 109
From: Peoria Az
Can I offer a tip or 2 to all?
when bolting clutch to flywheel use a real input shaft from a trans those plastic alignment tools dont work worth a hoot.
Also when mating trans to bell housing get some long bolts the same pitch as the trans bolts and cut the heads off use them as alignment pins when stabbing the trans, once trans is pushed up tight against the Bell housing unthread the "alignment pins " and install bolts. You'll be surprised how easily it goes together
when bolting clutch to flywheel use a real input shaft from a trans those plastic alignment tools dont work worth a hoot.
Also when mating trans to bell housing get some long bolts the same pitch as the trans bolts and cut the heads off use them as alignment pins when stabbing the trans, once trans is pushed up tight against the Bell housing unthread the "alignment pins " and install bolts. You'll be surprised how easily it goes together