Several engine install questions
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 1,337
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From: Brighton, MI
Several engine install questions
I'm getting ready to drop my 383 in, and have a few questions:
1) Does anybody know for a fact that the engine won't drop in with headers installed (hooker LT)? Has anyone tried it and failed?
2) I have to install an RD camber brace. I know it will be easier to install with the motor out. But will having the brace in make it difficult (or impossible) to drop the engine in?
3) Has anyone run their engine with the trans out of the car (6 speed for me). Long story on why I want to do this. I'm concerned most about rear engine support. Any issues with the clutch or electric connections?
1) Does anybody know for a fact that the engine won't drop in with headers installed (hooker LT)? Has anyone tried it and failed?
2) I have to install an RD camber brace. I know it will be easier to install with the motor out. But will having the brace in make it difficult (or impossible) to drop the engine in?
3) Has anyone run their engine with the trans out of the car (6 speed for me). Long story on why I want to do this. I'm concerned most about rear engine support. Any issues with the clutch or electric connections?
Safety Car
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 3,789
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From: [Quote=WOEII] Is dried brown doodie powders man! [/Quote]
Re: Several engine install questions (Jeff Hickman)
1.) Speculation only, but I am going to say no. I would think the engine would have to be tilted quite a bit, then tilted back down. Not worth it to try IMHO, too much stuff could go wrong.
2.) I would think if you had no accessories on the front of the engine it might be possible, but then you get to put everything back on with the brace in the way. :D
3.) I wouldn't risk it, but if I had to I would support the engine with a cherry picker or chain hoist and I definitely wouldn't be goosing the throttle.
4.) Here's a bump, I am sure others will chime in. G/L on your endeavors.
:cheers:
2.) I would think if you had no accessories on the front of the engine it might be possible, but then you get to put everything back on with the brace in the way. :D
3.) I wouldn't risk it, but if I had to I would support the engine with a cherry picker or chain hoist and I definitely wouldn't be goosing the throttle.
4.) Here's a bump, I am sure others will chime in. G/L on your endeavors.
:cheers:
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 1,337
Likes: 0
From: Brighton, MI
Re: Several engine install questions (Upstate)
3.) I definitely wouldn't be goosing the throttle.
4.) Here's a bump, I am sure others will chime in. G/L on your endeavors.
:cheers:
:cheers:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,838
Likes: 31
From: Australia
Re: Several engine install questions (Jeff Hickman)
I have severe doubts that anything other than a bare engine is going to be a easy fit.There aint much room to move things arround in there.I would even leave the dist out until the engine was in place
I have run my engine without the trans. Just make sure the rear of the sump is well supported and there are no cables hanging near the flywheel as the main wiring loom runs across the rear of the block using one of the trans bolts as a mounting.So long as there is plenty of weight on the sump you can rev it hard.The stock mounts seem to be quiet hard if they are in good cond.
I have run my engine without the trans. Just make sure the rear of the sump is well supported and there are no cables hanging near the flywheel as the main wiring loom runs across the rear of the block using one of the trans bolts as a mounting.So long as there is plenty of weight on the sump you can rev it hard.The stock mounts seem to be quiet hard if they are in good cond.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,671
Likes: 20
From: Lake Wylie SC
Re: Several engine install questions (Jeff Hickman)
I'm just curious as to why you need to run the engine so soon? :confused:
Why not bring it to a shop with an engine dyno and run it there?
[Modified by Strick, 10:09 AM 12/9/2003]
Why not bring it to a shop with an engine dyno and run it there?
[Modified by Strick, 10:09 AM 12/9/2003]
Drifting
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,979
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From: Lakeport CA
Re: Several engine install questions (Strick)
I just installed my engine w/ the camber brace installed a couple of weeks ago. It was only the short block but I did have the water pump & dampner installed. Slipped right in, then installed heads & buttened it up. One thing though, I should have installed the damn radiator cooling fans before I did anything, what a PITA that was doing it afterwards!!
:cheers:
:cheers:
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 1,337
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From: Brighton, MI
Re: Several engine install questions (Strick)
Ahh, you had to ask. Basically the previous owner of this stuff had multiple problems with water getting into the oil. I picked up the project. I had the block fluxed and heads pressurized and no problems could be found. I thought long and hard about it and decided to go for it anyway. I'm hoping it was something stupid like a head gasket or head bolt sealing issue. I won't exactly say I don't have confidence in the thing working, but I just figured if it could be done it would be a few less things to take apart again if the engine does fill with water and it have to come out again.
