Pulling engine on 1980 L82
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Pearland TX
Pulling engine on 1980 L82
Im pulling the engine and transmission both out of my 80 L82 this weekend. Ive never done this on a Chevrolet, so here is my question...
Haynes said to remove the driveshaft before pulling the transmission. But since I'm pulling the engine and transmission out the front, do I really need to remove the driveshaft? Won't the transmission come right off of the driveshaft when I pull it forward?
I couldn't even figure out how to remove the driveshaft at the differential. And supposedly If I do that, it will slide right out of the tranny?
So hopefully I can avoid having to pull the driveshaft!
Haynes said to remove the driveshaft before pulling the transmission. But since I'm pulling the engine and transmission out the front, do I really need to remove the driveshaft? Won't the transmission come right off of the driveshaft when I pull it forward?
I couldn't even figure out how to remove the driveshaft at the differential. And supposedly If I do that, it will slide right out of the tranny?
So hopefully I can avoid having to pull the driveshaft!
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
Just unbolt the front yoke from the driveshaft. If you slide the yoke out of the transmission you will have trans fluid leak all over the place and make a huge mess. Unbolting the driveshaft is not a big deal to do.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Pearland TX
I already unbolted the front yoke from the driveshaft, and I assumed that would work but wanted to make sure there wasn't any other reason to pull the whole driveshaft. I also drained the transmission on Saturday, so I shouldn't have fluid spilling everywhere.
There is alot I don't know about American V8s unfortunately. Most work I've done has been straight sixes, and four bangers. But I learned by doing things myself, so I should be good!
There is alot I don't know about American V8s unfortunately. Most work I've done has been straight sixes, and four bangers. But I learned by doing things myself, so I should be good!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,116
Likes: 5
From: Livonia MI
Didn't mean to be a smart ax, but what you're doing isnt exactly something lot's here have ever done. Actually, guess were both alike, as always been the type to just do it too. A little research never hurts though, and hope the swap goes well.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,019
Likes: 18
From: St. Louis MO
It really helps if you have an engine pulled with a leveler on the chain. You will really need to hang the motor long ways to get both of them out in one piece. I have pulled the motor and trans out of my 1980 a couple times this summer. Make sure you pulle the radiator as well as the power steering pump off the front. Air conditioner must go as well. You can leave the hoses hooked up, just un bolt it from the motor... Watch the fuel pump as well as fan.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
just did this with my 68. You'll definitely want an engine leveler to balance the weight of the tranny. Pulling the rad and support will give lots of room. I started with the hoist at the front of the car then and swung it the drivers side to finish the hoist. Good luck. You should also take lots of pictures and mark the position of the drive shaft after disconnecting from tranny.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
There will still be a lot of trans fluid in the transmission so leave the yoke in. Pulling an enginie really is no big deal. You jus have to make sure everything is disconnected and out of the way. Pulling them as an assembly does take a little more effort and planning but can be done quite easily. Take all the front accessories off the front of the motor.
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Pearland TX
Thanks everyone. Good news is I have already broken the engine down to just the long block, there is nothing else in the engine bay any longer. Removed the entire exhaust too! So it SHOULD be easier to pull, but I know things never go according to plan. I guess I'll need to watch the transmission and drive shaft so that the yoke stays in? The yoke isn't attached to the driveshaft anymore but which one do you think will come off first? The yoke from the driveshaft or the transmission fromo the yoke?
Also, I'm planning on taking the engine to a local shop for an overhaul. Should I wait until I'm ready to put the engine back in? I don't know whether it would be better for the engine to sit in the garage for a few months before rebuild or after rebuild... should it sit With oil or without oil? I figure itd be better to let it sit before, not after, but I'm no expert.
I've got a lot of work to do. Body comes off next and then its going to get a new suspension and a painted frame before the engine and transmission go back in...
Also, I'm planning on taking the engine to a local shop for an overhaul. Should I wait until I'm ready to put the engine back in? I don't know whether it would be better for the engine to sit in the garage for a few months before rebuild or after rebuild... should it sit With oil or without oil? I figure itd be better to let it sit before, not after, but I'm no expert.
I've got a lot of work to do. Body comes off next and then its going to get a new suspension and a painted frame before the engine and transmission go back in...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,116
Likes: 5
From: Livonia MI
Think you're getting little ahead of yourself here, and if no real hurry, why pulling the engine/tranny together as one unit, as they do come apart, and less likely to damage the car body when pullling things out. To answer another question, drain the oil out of everything before removing it. Storing an engine for years with 5 quarts of oil sitting in the pan isn't doing anything.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,503
Likes: 33
From: McGrady NC
St. Jude Donor '15-'16
I agree. Separate the trans from the motor first. I just did what you are attempting and it wasn't too bad. No need to remove the radiator if you are careful and have already removed the water pump, etc. Have the engine rebuilt at your leisure and store it in a dry location. Either tape over every opening or seal it up in thick plastic to protect it. For really long storage, spray some light oil (like WD-40, etc) in the chambers through the spark plug holes and seal them up with tape or put in the spark plugs. It will be fine that way. The rebuilder should have put a good lube on the crank and cam. Just be sure to prime the oil pump before firing her up. Good luck!
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,629
Likes: 4
From: Somers CT
I've found that finding a GOOD reliable engine hoist that has a boom long enough to extend from the front of the car is a problem so I remove mine from the side. Put the front of the car on jackstands, remove the right front tire and slide the hoist in from that side. Now the boom doesn't have to be fully extended to get to the middle of the motor and it makes for a better balanced unit. Pulling from the front with a long boom tends to make the rear wheels of the hoist come off the ground.
I've pulled mine a couple of times with transmission attached by myself without any big deal. Previous suggestions on having a leveler are good ones, it makes it much easier and safer in my opinion.
I've pulled mine a couple of times with transmission attached by myself without any big deal. Previous suggestions on having a leveler are good ones, it makes it much easier and safer in my opinion.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 6,921
Likes: 839
From: melbourne florida
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
unbelievable, afraid to pull a driveshaft? 4 little bolts it slides out. good luck putting it back in. I'd think long and hard about having an engine rebuilt and sitting around for years. if something is wrong with the motor when you install it the builder will likely tell you to buzz off i rebuilt that motor 5 years ago I'm not going to guarantee that. see where I'm going here? if its got to sit that long at least run it on a stand and check everything. maybe even dyno it and have it tuned so it is really ready to fire on the first try. good luck! It will be fine just be thoughtful in your process.
