Engine removal
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Engine removal
I want to remove my engine and tranny ( 1980 ) for detailing and new seals and gaskets all around . Is it a easy pull to remove engine and tranny together .Any advice would be greatly appreciated .
Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 725
Likes: 1
From: FL.
Ill just say that to pull eng. and Trans togeather youll need a extra duty lift and alot of room to set it up.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,924
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,116
Likes: 5
From: Livonia MI
I've pulled my share of engine, trannys, and always kept it a seperate deal. Engine above with a hydlaulic picker, and tranny dropped below. The less time spent on top, the less likely to damage expensive paint. I bought an engine picker and stand, and yank motors with a carb lifting plate. Whole deal was about $300 bucks. If you tear up show quality paint on a fender, what's that. An armful of teri bath towels a good idea too.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,231
Likes: 65
From: Seattle WA
St. Jude Donor '14
The challenge is typically getting enough clearance under the car to tip up the engine/trans while at the same time enough lift with the hoist. So I just support the trans and pull the engine, then drop the trans.
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Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,993
Likes: 9
From: Gig Harbor WA
Should I remove the radiator just to have more room??
Thanks!
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,037
Likes: 4,083
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi S18z,
The Chevy Engine Rebuild books have some information in them about getting the engine ready to remove but it's not specifc to a Corvette.
It should be enough to get you started though if you can't find a video.
Regards,
Alan
The Chevy Engine Rebuild books have some information in them about getting the engine ready to remove but it's not specifc to a Corvette.
It should be enough to get you started though if you can't find a video.
Regards,
Alan
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,192
Likes: 7
From: Wentzville MO
Didn't mention if its 4 speed or automatic. We have removed my buddies 3 times this year because of engine issues and can do it on jack stands with engine hoist. First remove the hood, radiator and headers. Move the ac compressor and wire tie to the side. Remove alternator, distributor, carb and power steering pump. Place a jack under the trans and remove the cross member, u joint at tail shaft, speedo cable, cooling lines if you have them and some of the exhaust. Then you will need a helper to lift and tilt the engine and tranny to clear fire wall. Its not easy but doable.
Last edited by donnie1956; Oct 22, 2011 at 08:25 AM. Reason: more info
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,160
Likes: 3
From: Greensboro NC
Jack the car up and securely place on stands. Lower back down after tire removal so you have height clearence.
Remove the front wheels (you will need the room for the legs of the picker). Also helps if you have a longer picker arm.
Disconnect everything.
Pull the motor and tranny together really not an issue.
When raised grab the tranny tail shaft and tip it up.
Helps if youve got a friend.
Rad removal mandatory.
I feel its actually easier than laying on my back under a car and trying to remove the tranny. (But Im old and cant bench a tranny)
Good luck and if your pulling it good time to replace brake lines and detail engine bay.
Remove the front wheels (you will need the room for the legs of the picker). Also helps if you have a longer picker arm.
Disconnect everything.
Pull the motor and tranny together really not an issue.
When raised grab the tranny tail shaft and tip it up.
Helps if youve got a friend.
Rad removal mandatory.
I feel its actually easier than laying on my back under a car and trying to remove the tranny. (But Im old and cant bench a tranny)
Good luck and if your pulling it good time to replace brake lines and detail engine bay.
Last edited by micks69; Oct 23, 2011 at 07:55 AM. Reason: Additional info
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 409
Likes: 5
From: Orange County CA
I pulled my engine and trans together (turbo 400) without a problem.. I removed the hood and radiator for extra clearance. You need to position the cherry picker on the side of the car due to the long nose..
I dont think I could have done it without using a load leveler...made tilting the engine/trans much easier..
I dont think I could have done it without using a load leveler...made tilting the engine/trans much easier..
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
FWIW, I've never removed my rad just for an engine pull. Plenty of room with the trans off.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 5,768
Likes: 3
From: San Diego CA
And FWIW I've never pulled engine and trans seperate. Its much too easy as unit and easier still if you rent an engine levelling device with the hoist with an automatic or manual you don't need to raise the car except to disconnect the under car bits. Once disconnected you should be able to have it all out in 10-15 minutes
