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Engine swap on jack stands??

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Old Jul 6, 2007 | 10:04 AM
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Default Engine swap on jack stands??

Im giving serious consideration to swapping SLPs ZL402 aluminum long block with the L92 heads and L76 intake into my Z when I get back from the middle east this winter. Is it possible to do in your garage on jack stands from the top, or is this this something where you really need to be able to lift the body off the frame and attack it from the bottom? Thanks for the help!
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Old Jul 6, 2007 | 10:55 AM
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Default Top Works/Bottom is Easier

I just installed a SLP ZL402 in my '00 FRC along with
L92 heads/L76 intake.

It went pretty easy coming out the bottom, but you need a lift for a few days.

There are some posts were guys did pull the engines out the top.

Drop me a pm if you have any questions!

Bob K.
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Old Jul 6, 2007 | 11:32 AM
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Originally Posted by FLYNAVY30
Im giving serious consideration to swapping SLPs ZL402 aluminum long block with the L92 heads and L76 intake into my Z when I get back from the middle east this winter. Is it possible to do in your garage on jack stands from the top, or is this this something where you really need to be able to lift the body off the frame and attack it from the bottom? Thanks for the help!
I have done it through the top in my home garage. It is a pain but better than spending over $1,200 to $1,500 for the swap done at a shop. The hardest part is loosening the engine cradle to clear the oil pan. Since the engine has to move forward out of the torque tube, the oil pan hits the cradle. PM me if you need help or want to discuss.
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Old Jul 6, 2007 | 11:58 AM
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I installed a new motor in mine with her up on jack stands and pulling the motor from the top. Not th easiest way to do it, but it can be done.

Keith
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Old Jul 6, 2007 | 07:40 PM
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Done it once...Takes some patience and a few knuckles
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Old Jul 6, 2007 | 10:56 PM
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unbolt exhaust and torque tube, undo all ground wires and flip wiring harness on top of motor, suspend motor with a hoist and unbolt the engine mounts and drop the cradle bolts, slide the motor forward and pull out, you have also got to undo the steering linkage and ps pump and ac and set aside. takes about 3-4 hours for a beginner. FUN STUFF
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Old Jul 7, 2007 | 12:51 AM
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Originally Posted by frczwannabe
unbolt exhaust and torque tube, undo all ground wires and flip wiring harness on top of motor, suspend motor with a hoist and unbolt the engine mounts and drop the cradle bolts, slide the motor forward and pull out, you have also got to undo the steering linkage and ps pump and ac and set aside. takes about 3-4 hours for a beginner. FUN STUFF

I agree! Thats how i would do it!

BC
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Old Jul 9, 2007 | 01:26 PM
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Originally Posted by tj37_2
Done it once...Takes some patience and a few knuckles
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Old Jul 9, 2007 | 02:46 PM
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Originally Posted by frczwannabe
unbolt exhaust and torque tube, undo all ground wires and flip wiring harness on top of motor, suspend motor with a hoist and unbolt the engine mounts and drop the cradle bolts, slide the motor forward and pull out, you have also got to undo the steering linkage and ps pump and ac and set aside. takes about 3-4 hours for a beginner. FUN STUFF
I agree with all of this but two things, I didn't have to undo my steering linkage, but I had the radiator and front end off the car. I removed the motor mounts right from the engine on the way out. The second thing is the time, I can't see any beginner from start to the engine being out having it done in 3 -4 hours!!! By the time you get the car set, up on stands, pull the hood, radiator, undo the bell housing, exhaust, all of the wires and such, to me, it's way more than 3 - 4 hours, I would figure all of a long day with a partner. The first go around finding all the bolts and the best way of attack, it takes time. I did the motor, twin turbos, new tranny and rearend all on jackstands. Anything is possible, it's all a matter of patience and persistance! Good Luck! Dan
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Old Jul 9, 2007 | 02:52 PM
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Originally Posted by SpeedyD
I agree with all of this but two things, I didn't have to undo my steering linkage, but I had the radiator and front end off the car. I removed the motor mounts right from the engine on the way out. The second thing is the time, I can't see any beginner from start to the engine being out having it done in 3 -4 hours!!! By the time you get the car set, up on stands, pull the hood, radiator, undo the bell housing, exhaust, all of the wires and such, to me, it's way more than 3 - 4 hours, I would figure all of a long day with a partner. The first go around finding all the bolts and the best way of attack, it takes time. I did the motor, twin turbos, new tranny and rearend all on jackstands. Anything is possible, it's all a matter of patience and persistance! Good Luck! Dan
Thanks for the help Dan....I figure this projects gonna take a solid 2-3 months with me and my buddy working on weekends, so theres no big hurry
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Old Jul 9, 2007 | 06:52 PM
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Originally Posted by FLYNAVY30
Thanks for the help Dan....I figure this projects gonna take a solid 2-3 months with me and my buddy working on weekends, so theres no big hurry
I was able to complete my project in about 2 months of nights and weekends, not counting the down time waiting for the engine. It will all go pretty quick if you can devote some long days to it. Just take your time and do it right. Make sure you clean all grounds and reinstall all grounds. So many people have issues with them! Check and recheck everything! If you run into issues, just come back here, this place is a wealth of info! Good Luck!!!
Dan
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Old Jul 9, 2007 | 10:26 PM
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I had my motor out from the top the second time by myself in about 8 hours (taking beer breaks and all). it's not that difficult a job, just takes patience and attention.
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Old Jul 9, 2007 | 10:33 PM
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Originally Posted by JoeyG
I had my motor out from the top the second time by myself in about 8 hours (taking beer breaks and all). it's not that difficult a job, just takes patience and attention.
That sounds about right the second time around. The first time there is a learning curve of where everything is and the best way of getting it out!
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Old Jul 10, 2007 | 12:13 AM
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Originally Posted by SpeedyD
That sounds about right the second time around. The first time there is a learning curve of where everything is and the best way of getting it out!
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Old Jul 10, 2007 | 12:41 AM
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I just did mine out the top, wasn't bad at all.





I left the drivetrain in place too!
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