I am still very new to all of this but will be rebuilding and re installing the #'s matching engine in my 71 soon and while the engine is out of the car I want to get things cleaned and neatened up while I have the room. Is there a "checklist" of things that are easier to take care of now while the engine is out vs. with it in the car? I want to get it back together as soon as practical but am not ready for a complete restoration at this time. So, are there any "I wish I had done .....while the engine was out"? Thanks in advance for any of your input.

 

EVERYTHING in the engine compartment area is much easier to restore/fix with the engine out. But, if you have no intention on taking the time/effort to clean up that area, skip it. However, if you intend on refurbishing the engine compartment, NOW is the time. It is as least 10 times easier with the engine out that with it in place. Ask me how I know....

 

There is no "checklist." Use a steam cleaner or a pressure washer to clean everything up while the engine is out. With that done, you can get a good look at other items which might need attention.

 

Rag joint is a lot easier with the engine out....

 

Definitely replace the heater core, and if your car has AC go ahead and replace the seals on the condenser box.

When put my new engine in 5 years ago I cleaned and painted everything I could get to in the engine compartment and underneath all the way back to the transmission crossmember. I replaced the engine wiring harness, the core support and radiator, and the brake booster.
I also installed a new transmission tunnel insulation.
I thought about replacing the heater core, but decided not to since it had not been leaking.
A week after the new engine was in the heater core started leaking.

 

"Pay me now, or pay me later [5 times as much]."

 

I do plan on cleaning and neatening things up while the engine is out. A total restore will be years I'm sure at best. Wanted to be sure there were no "damn, I wish I had done that....." while the engine was out. "Five times as much and ten times easier" I'll do it now even if it means waiting a little longer to re install the engine. Thanks for info.

 

I waited 5 years until I had to pull my engine. Then I went for it, one section at a time. You are already heading up that slippery slope of restoration, at least the front part...so go for it NOW. Then do the middle. Then do the rear. When the mechanicals and underbody are done AND if absolutely necessry, then go for the paint and chrome, then the interior. Take it in stages and you will be able to tolerate both the expense and physical effort required. Don't get discouraged and try to enjoy driving the car for a while in between chapters.

In addition to what others have said, how old are your lower control arm bushings? If the large bolts holding the cross shafts to the frame are rusted in place, it is MUCH easier to break them loose while standing in the engine compartment. Might as well restore the front suspension while you are at it. How are your engine wiring and forward lamp harnesses? Now is the time to replace 40 year old wiring. Does your vacuum tank leak? Are you sure? Now is the time to take it out and test it. Is your steering gear tight and not leaking? How about the PS control valve?

 

May not be needed on his car. He won't know until he can R&R.

 

If you are re-building the engine DO NOT have them "deck" the block it might remove the stamped in numbers.

Frank

 

Hi df,
You can really go as far as you want with the engine in or out of the car. It all depends how thorough and detailed you want to be.
Here's a detailing picture with the engine in; and one with everything disassembled.
Regards,
Alan

 

Alan was/is out of control. But definitely at the top of the class. Maybe you can settle for something in-between:

Before





During









After

 

ok great job...............now paint color and type? Give us the dirt!

 

image that it's god saying this!

I think one important thing to check is the suspension bushings...especially the control arm which is easy to see. I rebuilt my engine and had it on a cherry picker and dropping it in when I noticed that I could see through the control arm where rubber bushings should have been. If you see rotting rubber bushings then the time to rebuild the entire front end is now.

 

This is what I would do if the engine was out, it was a pain with it in. Change the windshield washer bottle, radiator overflow bottle, rag joint, clean up the radiator support, clean up all the front end and paint if necessary, put in the tranny tunnel insulation, fix all the rubber grommet going through the fire wall, heater core. Everything else can be done with the engine in. Might want to look at changing the vapor canister.

 

Frame NAPA Self Etching Primer - Grey
NAPA Martin Senour #7243 Chassis Black

Control Arms - After I stripped and bead blasted, the local vette shop put in bushings and ball joints, then 2-part Dupont Varaprime and painted with high-gloss urethane...probably too shiny but will last forever

Engine compartment blackout SEM 39143 Trim Black

Radiator support, vacuum tank, etc - NAPA Self Etching Primer - Grey and then NAPA Martin Senour #7254 Lacquer Black

Engine Quanta Chevrolet Orange

Natural steel items were cleaned and then coated with CRC SP-400 Corrosion Inhibitor

All original fasteners were cleaned and bead blasted, then re-plated either zinc or black oxide

 

A nice engine bay starts from the ground up.

Strip, clean and prime:




Good quality paint:


Add some parts:






And the crown jewel:





A little exterior colour finishes it off?




The beauty of these car, is you can go as far as you want with your build.

Good Luck

 

Hi Faster & East,
I really enjoy seeing your 'in progress' pictures.
They show what it actually takes to end up with an engine compartment (and engine) that looks like both of yours do.
WELL DONE!!!!!
Regards,
Alan

 

Your engine bay is not too shabby either Alan
Put up another shot of it, if you would.

Thanks

 

All,

I am impressed and inspired. Great photos and great job with the engine compartments. I can only hope to have the same results. I hope to get started in the next week or so. I'm sure to have more questions as I proceed. I will also try to keep up with photos as well.

Regards to all.