383 engine install
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Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Plantation 1990 L98 383 Stroker Florida
383 engine install
It won't be long before my engine gets here. I wnt to know if anyone has insalled an engine with the headers on. I have rmoved everything except the kitchen sink. hood off, radiator and cowling off A/C off and power steering pump off and all wiring and tubing pulled out of the way. What would get in the way if I tried to install with headers and transmission attached?
Former Vendor
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,204
Likes: 6
From: St Marys PA
Hood did not have to come off. The motor can be installed from the side.
Now if you want to do the trans with the motor, then it did need to come off, but not hard at all to install the trans from below. Most of it needs done done from down there anyways.
The Headers I do not think you will be able to do with the motor. The most you can hope to do is lay them in there with some wire ties, then lower the motor in. But this will make getting the motor mount bolts more of a challenge.
I usually put the motor down in, from the side. Lift up in the headers, bolt them in. Then install the trans. Worked out great the last couple of time I have done it. Makes for a long day, but its pretty easy stuff. Just take your time to do it right.
Now if you want to do the trans with the motor, then it did need to come off, but not hard at all to install the trans from below. Most of it needs done done from down there anyways.
The Headers I do not think you will be able to do with the motor. The most you can hope to do is lay them in there with some wire ties, then lower the motor in. But this will make getting the motor mount bolts more of a challenge.
I usually put the motor down in, from the side. Lift up in the headers, bolt them in. Then install the trans. Worked out great the last couple of time I have done it. Makes for a long day, but its pretty easy stuff. Just take your time to do it right.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 334
Likes: 1
From: Fl
Clearing the AC/heater box for one. Is the starter all ready on it? If not you would need to put it on before the engine goes in.
I would personally have the headers in place & drop the engine in around them.
Putting it in with the headers on is just asking for too much trouble. Gotta clear the brakes & steering shaft on one side, ac/heater box on the other. Is it really worth breaking anything to even attempt it? It isnt that hard to install the headers with the engine IN the car.
Then you have the task of actually weaving around the header to get to the engine mounts.
I would personally have the headers in place & drop the engine in around them.
Putting it in with the headers on is just asking for too much trouble. Gotta clear the brakes & steering shaft on one side, ac/heater box on the other. Is it really worth breaking anything to even attempt it? It isnt that hard to install the headers with the engine IN the car.
Then you have the task of actually weaving around the header to get to the engine mounts.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Plantation 1990 L98 383 Stroker Florida
Yes I have a 1990 the reason for taking all of the stuff out was not for the motor but to clean, inspect and polish every piece before it went back in as far as the hood I just thought that it would be easier to get to bell housing bolts with it out of car. They were a bear to get to when I pulled engine without transmission over the side with hood on.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,870
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From: Long Island, NY
I would personally have the headers in place & drop the engine in around them.
Vic
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,142
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From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
I dont see how to get it in there with the headers on, as suggested I'd have the headers sitting in there off to each side and drop the motor down.
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