C5 Tech Corvette Tech/Performance: LS1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Pulling Engine Out of a C5 - Need Advice

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 8, 2008 | 01:49 AM
  #1  
wheeljo2's Avatar
wheeljo2
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,228
Likes: 17
From: Mansfield Texas
Default Pulling Engine Out of a C5 - Need Advice

Ok it is time to pull the engine on my C5 (99 FRC 6 spd) and freshen it up. After a few hours of wrenching, I have the block tore down to the bare short block with the hood off. What is the easiest way to pull the motor out from the top? Do you recommend I bust the block loose from the bell housing or leave the bell housing on and break loose from the torque tube?

Reply
Old Mar 8, 2008 | 01:53 AM
  #2  
Mike94ZLT1's Avatar
Mike94ZLT1
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,352
Likes: 103
From: In the pit, trying to love someone.
Default

When I pulled mine from the top I pulled it with the bellhousing attached, and took the 5 bolts out of the TT. You are going to need to support the car and drop the cradle quite a bit to get the oil pan to clear.
Reply
Old Mar 8, 2008 | 04:38 AM
  #3  
tazinhawaii's Avatar
tazinhawaii
Instructor
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 241
Likes: 0
From: Honolulu HI
Default

I'm becoming a pro at removing/installing my motor out the top. I have done both the bell housing and the torque tube. I think I like the torque tube disconnect better (easier). As for dropping the cradle, I've never had to drop the cradle to get the motor in or out. It does take a little work to get the oil pan to clear (muscle to push the engine around while onthe hoist), but is totally possible. And since you already have the heads off, it's real simple to get it out. Good luck with the removal/freshening.

Derrick
Reply
Old Mar 8, 2008 | 12:14 PM
  #4  
SteveDoten's Avatar
SteveDoten
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6,276
Likes: 227
From: Farmington CT
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Default

I drop them out the bottom, never out the top

ck www.cajundude.com
Reply
Old Mar 8, 2008 | 12:24 PM
  #5  
grinder11's Avatar
grinder11
Race Director
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,864
Likes: 4,669
Default

Originally Posted by wheeljo2
Ok it is time to pull the engine on my C5 (99 FRC 6 spd) and freshen it up. After a few hours of wrenching, I have the block tore down to the bare short block with the hood off. What is the easiest way to pull the motor out from the top? Do you recommend I bust the block loose from the bell housing or leave the bell housing on and break loose from the torque tube?

All of these posts are good. But don't forget one thing....the "pinch bolt/clamp" that clamps the internal spines to the external splines. I overlooked this, and even though it seems like a no-brainer, it can, AND DOES, happen. I am living, cursing proof!! Good luck!
Reply
Old Mar 8, 2008 | 12:33 PM
  #6  
wheeljo2's Avatar
wheeljo2
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,228
Likes: 17
From: Mansfield Texas
Default

Ok if you don't mind I'm going to need a further explanation regarding the pinch bolt clamp that you are referring to as it relates to the splines. Thanks.
Reply
Old Mar 8, 2008 | 01:41 PM
  #7  
Mike94ZLT1's Avatar
Mike94ZLT1
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,352
Likes: 103
From: In the pit, trying to love someone.
Default

Originally Posted by grinder11
All of these posts are good. But don't forget one thing....the "pinch bolt/clamp" that clamps the internal spines to the external splines. I overlooked this, and even though it seems like a no-brainer, it can, AND DOES, happen. I am living, cursing proof!! Good luck!
What on earth are you talking about?
Reply
Old Mar 8, 2008 | 01:44 PM
  #8  
lucky131969's Avatar
lucky131969
Tech Contributor
15 Year Member
Active Streak: 30 Days
Community Builder
Liked
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,493
Likes: 1,178
From: Dyer, IN
Default

Originally Posted by grinder11
All of these posts are good. But don't forget one thing....the "pinch bolt/clamp" that clamps the internal spines to the external splines. I overlooked this, and even though it seems like a no-brainer, it can, AND DOES, happen. I am living, cursing proof!! Good luck!
On a six speed?
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-7

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Mar 8, 2008 | 07:18 PM
  #9  
SteveDoten's Avatar
SteveDoten
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6,276
Likes: 227
From: Farmington CT
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Default

A4 only on the clamp
Reply
Old Mar 8, 2008 | 07:35 PM
  #10  
Patches's Avatar
Patches
Team Owner
Supporting Lifetime Gold
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 23,283
Likes: 906
From: Lake Elsinore, CA
Default

Spline clamp on A4

Reply
Old Mar 8, 2008 | 09:17 PM
  #11  
rustyguns's Avatar
rustyguns
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,251
Likes: 16
From: Phoenix Arizona
Default

Originally Posted by Patches
Spline clamp on A4

gees! you scared me!
Reply
Old Mar 9, 2008 | 12:18 PM
  #12  
MattB's Avatar
MattB
Drifting
Supporting Lifetime
10 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,590
Likes: 1
From: Littleton Colorado
Default

Originally Posted by Steve Doten
I drop them out the bottom, never out the top

ck www.cajundude.com

Ya a few 6 ton jack stands and its not so bad. You only have to disconnect the brake lines and upper A arm and shock. A lot easier than trying to fight it out the top

My only worry was balancing the engine.

Good Luck
Reply
Old Mar 9, 2008 | 08:19 PM
  #13  
grinder11's Avatar
grinder11
Race Director
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,864
Likes: 4,669
Default

Originally Posted by Steve Doten
A4 only on the clamp
Thanks, Steve. Didn't see he had an M6.
Reply
Old Mar 9, 2008 | 08:20 PM
  #14  
grinder11's Avatar
grinder11
Race Director
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,864
Likes: 4,669
Default

Originally Posted by Patches
Spline clamp on A4

Thanks to you, too, Patches! By the way, excellent pic!
Reply
Old Mar 10, 2008 | 11:11 PM
  #15  
wheeljo2's Avatar
wheeljo2
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,228
Likes: 17
From: Mansfield Texas
Default

Thanks guys your insight and advice was greatly appreciated and those pics are priceless. I pulled it out from the top last night. Had to disconnect the rear bolts from the front cradle and loosen the front bolts down to the last thread enough to drop the cradle down a couple of inches for the oil pan to clear. Not sure what GM was thinking there but those wings are nuts to deal with.

Nonetheless, the only other thing that caused me problems was figuring out how to disconnect the slave cylinder line, did not know about the quick disconnect. I disconnected from the torque tube. May consider a different oil pan (LS2 maybe) before I go back in with it.
Reply
Old Mar 10, 2008 | 11:26 PM
  #16  
cyclerage23's Avatar
cyclerage23
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,333
Likes: 1
From: Central NJ/PA
Default

Why LS2?
Reply
Old Mar 10, 2008 | 11:45 PM
  #17  
wheeljo2's Avatar
wheeljo2
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,228
Likes: 17
From: Mansfield Texas
Default

GM did away the outer wings I heard but I have not seen a picture of it yet. Just thinking about going back with the engine and not having to deal with that portion of the fitment or lack thereof.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Pulling Engine Out of a C5 - Need Advice





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:58 PM.

story-0
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 most overrated Corvette track packages ever.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 12:46:45


VIEW MORE
story-1
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained

Slideshow: Every 2027 Corvette engine explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 12:16:31


VIEW MORE
story-2
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette

Slideshow: A Jaguar designer's personal project imagines what a modern front-engined Corvette might look like if Chevrolet revisited the golden age of the Stingray.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-08 19:53:43


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-6
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-8
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE