C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

LT4 Front Cover Removal Question

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Old Feb 24, 2013 | 08:35 AM
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Default LT4 Front Cover Removal Question

I thought I have seen in the past on the LT4 engines that there is not enough room to remove the Harmonic Balancer with the engine in the car....is this correct?

I had no problem when I did this on an LT1...but again I am remembering a picture that showed the harmonic balance would not fit between the frame and the hub...and that it is necessary to lift the engine a few inches.

Hopefully this is wrong.
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Old Feb 24, 2013 | 09:52 AM
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On the LT4 you have to loose the rack & pinion.
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Old Feb 24, 2013 | 10:01 AM
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You do have to lift the engine a couple of inches to clear the frame rail.
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Old Feb 24, 2013 | 11:32 PM
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I assume that if I lossen the steering rack bolts that this should allow enough space to remove the balancer and hub.....is this correct?

What changed in the 96's? As I mentioned above, I had no problem whatsoever with on the '95 I did...twice actually.
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Old Feb 24, 2013 | 11:46 PM
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Originally Posted by LannyL81
I assume that if I lossen the steering rack bolts that this should allow enough space to remove the balancer and hub.....is this correct?

What changed in the 96's? As I mentioned above, I had no problem whatsoever with on the '95 I did...twice actually.
Honestly, I can't speak of differences in '95 to '96, or LT1 to LT4 for that matter. But I'm pretty sure, on the LT4 at least, that bottom of the balancer and hub won't clear the front frame rail.
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Old Feb 25, 2013 | 06:17 AM
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you can sneak the balancer off if you have the right puller. Just mover the power steering cooler out of the way. Sometimes have to loosen mounts and raise motor a bit, but it comes out, just super tight. I use the otc three jaw low profile puller.
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Old Feb 25, 2013 | 10:43 AM
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Argh....not looking forward to doing this. I no longer have an engine hoist so only way I can raise the engine is using my floor jack on the oil pan...which I do not like the idea of doing.

Is there another way?
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Old Feb 25, 2013 | 02:11 PM
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Remove the two motor mount nuts, put a board under the oil pan, and jack up a couple of inches. Piece of cake.
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Old Feb 25, 2013 | 02:40 PM
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Originally Posted by lt4obsesses
You do have to lift the engine a couple of inches to clear the frame rail.
Originally Posted by STL94LT1
Remove the two motor mount nuts, put a board under the oil pan, and jack up a couple of inches. Piece of cake.
I don't know, but I've done this twice on my LT4, I didn't have to lift the engine to remove the balancer. Loosing the rack & pinion will do, and it's easier than removing the motor mount bolts.

I remember a mechanic posted here once that to replace the opti, the engine needed to be removed.
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Old Feb 25, 2013 | 02:56 PM
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^^ No need to remove the motor mount bolts. Simply remove the two nuts where the lower mounts connect to the frame.
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Old Feb 25, 2013 | 04:50 PM
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Well...I guess when I get under there I will take a look at both options;
moving the rack or removing the motor mounts nuts and lifting engine.

Going to be couple of weeks before I get onto this...need to order intake gaskets, water pump, radiator hoses....and then get busy.

Thanks for the replies.
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Old Feb 25, 2013 | 08:22 PM
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Originally Posted by STL94LT1
^^ No need to remove the motor mount bolts. Simply remove the two nuts where the lower mounts connect to the frame.
I prefer this method. No chance of messing up a steering line or the alignment....crazy stuff happens when people start messing with the steering rack

Loosen the two 18mm nuts until they're down to the last couple threads on the studs. Toss a board under the oil pan and jack the engine an inch like Mike mentions above.
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Old Feb 26, 2013 | 10:14 AM
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I really do not want to have to get an alignment if I can avoid it.
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Old Feb 26, 2013 | 03:18 PM
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Some shots in no particular order...







The 18mm nut you would loosen from under the car....

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