Is it possible?
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 7
Likes: 2
From: Tulsa, OK
Is it possible?
Is it possible to put new rings in engine while engine is still in the car? I’ve read where front and rear seals were done, oil pan replaced, and even camshaft change has been done in frame. So is it possible?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 1,063
Likes: 170
From: Buckeye Lake, OH
Yes, it IS possible. You will need a friend, or do a lot of "Up and Under", but it is possible.
Can you pull the oil pan with the motor still in the car? That's a hyooge part of it.....
Can you pull the oil pan with the motor still in the car? That's a hyooge part of it.....
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 14,380
Likes: 6,390
From: At my Bar drinking and wrenching in Lafayette Colorado
Yes, you can. The question is, "Why would you want to?" It's a lot more difficult than pulling the engine out and putting it on a stand. But, yes, you can pull pistons out of the block and replace rings with the engine still in the car. It's easier to do on a Vette than on other cars like a Camaro or Chevelle since the oil pan can be dropped right off of a Vette without unbolting and raising the engine.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 10,696
Likes: 3,090
From: Cottonwood AZ
C1 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Yes, you can. The question is, "Why would you want to?" It's a lot more difficult than pulling the engine out and putting it on a stand. But, yes, you can pull pistons out of the block and replace rings with the engine still in the car. It's easier to do on a Vette than on other cars like a Camaro or Chevelle since the oil pan can be dropped right off of a Vette without unbolting and raising the engine.
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 7
Likes: 2
From: Tulsa, OK
I agree. The other problem is that working over your head and difficult to see it is too easy to scar a journal or bearing etc. while you are installing the crank, piston and or rods versing having the engine on a bench or engine stand where it is easy to see and work on.
I have the top torn down. Replacing valve stem seals and probably have to replace valve guides. Thought I’d try to do as much as possible without pulling engine.
Discovered a pretty good scratch in #5 cylinder. You can feel it. This changes everything. Will pull and send to machine shop now. Darn it
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,212
Likes: 9,352
From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
probably the best decision regardless of the scratch... you would want the cylinders honed for a cross hatch any way
now you can replace the main bearings as well...
now you can replace the main bearings as well...
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 7
Likes: 2
From: Tulsa, OK
Besides the engine she is almost all original. I bought this car because as long as I can remember I’ve always wanted one. It’s my dream car, but not to be parked and looked at but to be driven. And I love working on a car that can actually be worked on and she has given me plenty to do. Thanks for the advice guys. I appreciate it.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 14,380
Likes: 6,390
From: At my Bar drinking and wrenching in Lafayette Colorado
It would take you 59 minutes to pull that engine out of the car and get it on a stand. I can't think of a single justifiable reason to be pulling out pistons with the block in the chassis unless you were stranded in the desert with no tools except a socket set.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
1967 Pedal Car Champion
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 9,137
Likes: 4,247
From: US-PNW
Again, the question is, "Why?"
It would take you 59 minutes to pull that engine out of the car and get it on a stand. I can't think of a single justifiable reason to be pulling out pistons with the block in the chassis unless you were stranded in the desert with no tools except a socket set.
It would take you 59 minutes to pull that engine out of the car and get it on a stand. I can't think of a single justifiable reason to be pulling out pistons with the block in the chassis unless you were stranded in the desert with no tools except a socket set.
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,212
Likes: 9,352
From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
He already said its coming out and going to the machinist.
And he stated why, he had a reason and was asking if it was possible..one word answer
And he stated why, he had a reason and was asking if it was possible..one word answer
