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I have my BB in the machine shop and I also just purchased a Tremic 5-speed perfect fit kit. I was wondering can I put them in already connected or will I have to put them in separately. It would be nice to be able to hook the tranny to the engine first and put it in as one unit. Is this possible?
There have been many comments on many threads regarding this issue.
It can be done and some members have done it with the hood still on the car.
I would remove the hood, radiator and radiator support, then slide it on in.
I installed the BB and transmission in my 68 as a unit. So, yes it’s possible. I did it with the hood off and radiator out of the car. I found it fairly easy to do with the engine hoist from the driver side with the front wheel removed. I went out and bought a load leveler and that made it much easier.
Just because it can be done doesn't mean you should. I did it years ago on another car (not a Corvette) and swore I would never do it that way again. I prefer to install the engine with the flywheel and clutch attached and install the bellhousing, and trans from below. Just personal preference. I would never find fault with someone who chose to install the engine and trans as a unit, but I found it extremely frustrating.
If the engine and trans are both out as yours is, install them as a unit. If just the engine needed replacement or work I never take them both out as there is no need. Why spend hours underneath on universals, shifter arms, and a bunch of other stuff then drag out the transmission? It's very easy installing it either way but since you have both out for replacement it's much easier to install them together. Below is my 427 going in but I had no reason to remove the transmission.
I find with the trans in the car I put the bell housing on to hold the t/o brg in place then stab the engine alone but that's just me
The only reason I leave the bellhousing with the trans is so you can see the angle on the housing vs. the angle on the back of the block to slide them both together without having to get underneath and play with the trans. I'm getting old....
Bellhousing and throwout bearing on the fork just remain in place.
Last edited by CanadaGrant; Dec 29, 2018 at 07:38 PM.
Well, the hood and radiator are already off. I was thinking it might be hard because the cross member can't be removed. I am glad it is possible. That will be the route I take. Thanks
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
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If you buy a load leveler grease it very well. It will help alot. I only have a small block but I install them together all the time. I tried separate once and couldnt get the tranny into the bell housing all the way. I kept getting hung up on the crank bushing. You could buy a kit to cut and weld the crossmember to make the center section removable. I would also remove all the tranny mount plates that are on the crossmember so that doesnt get in the way of the 5 speed
I have my BB in the machine shop and I also just purchased a Tremic 5-speed perfect fit kit. I was wondering can I put them in already connected or will I have to put them in separately. It would be nice to be able to hook the tranny to the engine first and put it in as one unit. Is this possible?
engine and tranny install
