Engine removal
Pro
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 680
Likes: 3
From: charlotte N.C
everyone does it differently, but here is how I did mine. I have done a few times and like to do it as a whole unit.
http://mycorvetterestoration.com/197...gin_bay_p1.php
http://mycorvetterestoration.com/197...gin_bay_p1.php
Pro
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 650
Likes: 1
I'll chime in on this because I just pulled my engine and trans a few weeks ago. 1970 Vette, SBC, TKO 500, factory crossmember still welded to the frame and in one piece.
The following are not in order:
* You do not have to remove the radiator as long as you have an engine leveler.
* I removed everything off the front of the motor except the harmonic damper
* I removed the engine and transmission as a unit
* I put the hoist over the passenger side fender
* I originally had the car on the low profile black ramps with two 2x10 planks for added height. I put a jack stand behind the front wheel well and removed the passenger front tire to allow access for the hoist. It was very stable. So to recap, driver front tire on a ramp and pass front on the jack stand and two rear tires on the ground with blocks behind them.
* Lifted the motor just enough to slide the bolts out of the motor mounts, then moved the motor and trans forward until the rear of the trans cleared the crossmember, then I began to tilt the engine and trans backward and upward in a slow methodic, rather high anxiety process.
I pulled the motor and trans together because my crossmember was still solid on the frame and the difficulty I'd heard about removing and installing a TKO 500 with the engine still in the car. I was shocked and very happy to experience how easy this was. It was definitely not my first motor pull, but my first with a C3.
I will never install or pull a motor out of my C3 without pulling the transmission with it. It really is easy.
Good luck.
The following are not in order:
* You do not have to remove the radiator as long as you have an engine leveler.
* I removed everything off the front of the motor except the harmonic damper
* I removed the engine and transmission as a unit
* I put the hoist over the passenger side fender
* I originally had the car on the low profile black ramps with two 2x10 planks for added height. I put a jack stand behind the front wheel well and removed the passenger front tire to allow access for the hoist. It was very stable. So to recap, driver front tire on a ramp and pass front on the jack stand and two rear tires on the ground with blocks behind them.
* Lifted the motor just enough to slide the bolts out of the motor mounts, then moved the motor and trans forward until the rear of the trans cleared the crossmember, then I began to tilt the engine and trans backward and upward in a slow methodic, rather high anxiety process.
I pulled the motor and trans together because my crossmember was still solid on the frame and the difficulty I'd heard about removing and installing a TKO 500 with the engine still in the car. I was shocked and very happy to experience how easy this was. It was definitely not my first motor pull, but my first with a C3.
I will never install or pull a motor out of my C3 without pulling the transmission with it. It really is easy. Good luck.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 6
From: Tucson AZ
St. Jude Donor '12
Agreeing with everyone else, I've made lot's of pulls. Engine first. then back in for the trans.
IMO the only time it makes sense to keep the two attached is when you're frame-off. The guys on TV do it this way because it's sexy and keeps you watching during the commercials.
IMO the only time it makes sense to keep the two attached is when you're frame-off. The guys on TV do it this way because it's sexy and keeps you watching during the commercials.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,136
Likes: 62
From: West Kingston RI
Just pulled my motor and 350 hydro trans two weeks ago as one unit. Left rad in pulled everything off the front except balancer. Back tires on a set of ramps both front tires on the ground. No leveler just someone to guide the tranny tailshaft as I came over the fender. Piece of cake. Will put new motor and trans in this weekend as a unit. 
