installing rebuilt 350 and 4 peed
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 248
Likes: 11
installing rebuilt 350 and 4 peed
I am ready to install the L82 350 with the 4 speed attached back into my '77. Has anyone trired to do this by their self ? I saw a YOU Tube Video Where this guy had his son were lowering the motor and 4speed into their C3. The kid basically operated the hydraulic hoist and the Dad kept going down below with a jack to get the trans tail shaft up so it would slide in place. I keep thinking that it shouldn't be that difficult just a lot of up and downs. I also read where the back of the car should be higher than the front but when I pulled the unit out it was level and didn't take very long to get it out.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,246
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From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Getting it back in requires watching that tail shaft so it goes over the crossmember. With a 77 manual the stock crossmember is welded in place. So that's the tricky part. Having the rear of the car higher helps with balancing the engine/trans assembly so you can stab it in. Having someone under the car to guide the tail shaft over the crossmember really helps.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 264
Likes: 200
From: Sicklerville NJ
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I tried doing it myself , on my 69 with a 350, but gave up, until my son could come over to help. Just too much movement / adjusting has to be done .
Steven
Steven
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,716
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From: New York
I have done it 3 times. At 70 years old, next time it will pay someone else to do it.
I think they sell (rent) an engine hoist that tilts. So you start with the engine and transmission at a 45 degree angle to get it in, you can tilt the angle to almost parallel with the floor.
Having said that, it goes easier with someone to help.
I think they sell (rent) an engine hoist that tilts. So you start with the engine and transmission at a 45 degree angle to get it in, you can tilt the angle to almost parallel with the floor.
Having said that, it goes easier with someone to help.
Dr. Detroit
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10,097
Likes: 4,027
From: New Braunfels Texas
You can do it yourself.....but you will HAVE to have a tilter attachment.....and the rad and hood need to be out/off......
If you don't have a tilter.....you will have hell to pay getting the tailshaft over the crossmember....
Jebby
If you don't have a tilter.....you will have hell to pay getting the tailshaft over the crossmember....
Jebby
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 176
Likes: 44
I did my engine alone, I have a chain hoist in my shop that is on a main support beam. Even left the hood and rad in, simple pimple.
The trans I luckily own a hoist, which is by far the easiest with the transmission jack. I'd never attempt it on the floor alone.
The trans I luckily own a hoist, which is by far the easiest with the transmission jack. I'd never attempt it on the floor alone.
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Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Cut your crossmember no doubt.
But the question here pertains to installing the engine and 4 Speed as a unit.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 6,937
Likes: 848
From: melbourne florida
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Did it several times by myself never heard of a tilter back then😭. An extra set of hands would definitely help. . Have the engine hoist coming in the side over the nose is too far.