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I am ready to install my engine and 4speed trans as complete unit. When I pulled the motor and trans out, the heads were off the engine. Now that I have the entire engine together what is the best way to rig the levelor. Some people use a bracket that is bolted to the intake which to me is a little scarry since I have the trans bolted to the engine. If I use a 4 point chain one on each corner of the heads will I have enough room to remove the bolts on the back of the heards or do I use the intake corner bolts. My Levelor has 4 chains 2 for the front and two for the back.also Is it possible for me to attempt to install by my self. I really don't have anyone that I can trust with the hydraulic lift. This is a 350 motor with a Edlebrock performer intake.
Use heads in front, manifold in back. Tilt radiator support forward by pulling the 2 bolts on each side out from inside the front wheel wells. Might have a center support under front of car attached to the radiator support. This is attached at the back of the heads which does work but the rear manifold attachment gives you a little more room to work.
Last edited by stingr69; Feb 23, 2024 at 07:14 PM.
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
Yes you do have room to remove bokts but it is tight and you will drop them...the tilter on the manifold will support a long block motor with tranny and steel bell housing...i did it to a 427 which would be 150lbs heavier than a small block
I took out the 2 bolts on either side of the radiator support housing and the housing will not move back iit only wants to fall forward. I also remover the center support rod.
I did re-install the radiator so will that have to come out again.I bought a 2 ton hydraulic lift but the leveler is questionable. almost didn't get the engine and tranny out. I am hoping I can rent one similar to the one in the photo. I really don't care to be spending money on a one time shot. The lift will be sold after I get this beat back in the vette.
$45 at Harbor Freight. You can get the cheaper one to save $5 but its not near as stout. Be sure to lube up the drive screw with lithium grease before the first use. Its not super high quality but it gets the job done. Very heavy.
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
Originally Posted by stingr69
$45 at Harbor Freight. You can get the cheaper one to save $5 but its not near as stout. Be sure to lube up the drive screw with lithium grease before the first use. Its not super high quality but it gets the job done. Very heavy.
Also replace the handle as it will coninually fall off. Also buy an additional weight approved caribiner or shackle to attach to the chain of the hoist if the hook isnt big enough....And i also bought lift brackets for the block so i wasnt trying to stuff a bolt through the provided chain and it didnt dig into the aluminumheads....
https://www.amazon.com/NOVINO-Lifting-Capacity-Levelers-Colorful/dp/B0BKFDVDVH/ref=asc_df_B0BKFDVDVH&mcid=3792b59e94303 c859603bab14e17ea1e?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80882915732967&hv netw=o&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=m&hvlocint =&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4584482478100945&psc=1
There are many reasons i got rid of that pos and bought the correct tool for the job from Macs
I've owned my Vette for 25 years and have had my engine and 4 speed out and in 3 times as a unit without issues other than the hoist I rented wasn't long enough to go from the front so I went over the fender. I do have a screw type leveler seen above but it's a good one not from Harbor Freight. Makes it easy. I do suggest you get another set of eyes to help.
Engine and 4 speed trans install
