1980 L82 Engine Removal
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
1980 L82 Engine Removal
I have 1980 L82 Auto Trans vette that I want to pull the engine out of. Would it be easier to leave the trans on the engine or unbolt it and just pull the engine. It seems to me if I only pull the engine it be hard to line up the trans when putting it back. As you can tell I have never pulled a vette engine before and I know a lot of you have. Any tips or tricks would be greatly appreciated 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,632
Likes: 112
From: Great Plains Iowa
I have 1980 L82 Auto Trans vette that I want to pull the engine out of. Would it be easier to leave the trans on the engine or unbolt it and just pull the engine. It seems to me if I only pull the engine it be hard to line up the trans when putting it back. As you can tell I have never pulled a vette engine before and I know a lot of you have. Any tips or tricks would be greatly appreciated
Its a lot easier with the transmission disconnected because of it's weight hanging on the rear of the engine; meaning the engine and transmission would have to come out at about a 45 degree angle. Just the 6 bell housing bolts and the 3 torque converter nuts.
If you use two 2" long alignment studs screwed into the block's two bottom bell housing holes you can align the transmission very easy.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,720
Likes: 554
From: Seattle Washington
I have done it both ways in my 80 and have come to the conclusion that I prefer to leave the Trans on the Engine and remove them as a unit. As all 80-82's have removable cross members it makes it easier than the early cars. The car needs to be higher off the ground and the trans oil is going to make a mess.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,697
Likes: 139
From: Syracuse NY
Are you doing the job yourself? (with no assistant)...If you are going at it alone, I would avoid, at all costs, pulling them as one unit. You are talking about 500 LBS of dangling steel that wants to twist and turn and bang into every painted surface on your car. At least if you isolate the engine from the transmission, you are cutting off 100 lbs and 2 feet in length.
If you have 2-3 people and unlimited overhead space, have at it and yank the whole thing.
If you have 2-3 people and unlimited overhead space, have at it and yank the whole thing.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,720
Likes: 554
From: Seattle Washington
Yes I'm doing it by myself but I will admit I'm cheating a bit. I have a 4 Post Lift and I have an overhead Bridge Crane in my Garage. It can reach anywhere and I have an Electric Hoist that I can operate with one hand on the trigger, this leaves me one hand to guide. Working by myself I can have the Engine - Trans out in about 3 Hours. I have had a lot of practice and I pretty much know what wrench fits where. I don't bother to undo the Driveshaft I just let the Yoke slip out. I don't take the console apart to undo the Shifter, I just unscrew the Shifter from the TKO 600 underneath.
My Engine is Twin Turbocharged, and to adjust a Valve I need to remove a Valve Covers, to remove them I need to remove the Turbo's, to remove them I need to remove the Exhaust Manifolds, to remove them I need to remove the Studs that I use for Header Bolts. At this point its just faster to remove the Engine Trans package as there is probably something else that needs attention wile its out.
My Engine is Twin Turbocharged, and to adjust a Valve I need to remove a Valve Covers, to remove them I need to remove the Turbo's, to remove them I need to remove the Exhaust Manifolds, to remove them I need to remove the Studs that I use for Header Bolts. At this point its just faster to remove the Engine Trans package as there is probably something else that needs attention wile its out.
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