When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I am about to remove my 454 Big Block to do some freshening up of it and the engine compartment. I have a few friends (not Corvette guys) who have warned me about the body flexing during the removal and installation process. Does anybody have any advice on this? I plan to remove the T-tops and leave the doors open during the process. Any info would be appreciated!
Removing the engine will not flex anything. Jacking up the car in the wrong spot might.....but the C3 is a steel cage bolted to a full frame.....pretty sturdy.
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
the convertibles are really flexy. You'll be fine.
Hints for pulling a corvette motor.
I would put the side your pulling from on a jack stand and pull that front tire off so you can get a picker in there easy. Cover the fender with a moving blanket on the jack side and pull the hood. I mark the hinge locations really well with a silver permanent marker so its easy to align it when Im done. A gantry crane setup is the best.
I have a manual so I pull the engine and tranny as a unit for ease. Pull the radiator out for more room. Keep and eye on your fuel pump, my SBC pump gets in the way of pulling it easily passing the front suspension. One of those engine tilters makes getting it in and out easier. I have the kind that bolts with chains to the heads. THe one that bolts to the manifold looks weak
Just did this on my 72 BB. A lot of room to work with hood and rad support off
If I were to do it again, I would bolt the rear chains somewhere else.
Left trans in, 1 rear bolt still in rear of trans. Engine leveler was not really required, but nice to have. Just tugged forward a couple inches and off trans. Lowered car to top edge of lift legs for clearance under hanging lights maybe 7ft
Worse part was my nerves as I watched the 650lb lump sway over the top of my fiberglass fender! LOL
Notice the engine mounts on the floor. Why did I even bother to unbolt them? They both fell apart in 2 pieces.
Portable Harbor Freight style, long enough for side, not the front
Last edited by leigh1322; Mar 1, 2020 at 12:21 PM.
1973 BB engine removal/installation
