How to pull engine... top or bottom?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,952
Likes: 1
From: Waveland MS
How to pull engine... top or bottom?
I have to pull out my 402 stroker because it has Really Bad compression on 75% of the cylinders. I am going to run through the rings and check the rod, crank, and main bearings while I am there. I need to know how to pull the engine, are there any special tricks/tools etc.. I have a lift, a personal mechanic shop, and a engine hoist(I would rather take it out the top. I would love to see some picture or link me to a DIY thread if you know of one. Any help is much appreciated, Roger. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,131
Likes: 12
From: Houston Tx
I would think the top would be easiest? Never had to take on out of the vette before. It seems to have a lot of room. So I would assume top. Just wait for more replies. Sorry i could be no help to ya!
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,526
Likes: 18
From: Santa Fe TX
Here is a useful link on removing it from the top, but I agree it is the more difficult option. But you'd pretty much have to have a lift to remove it from the bottom.
http://www.cajundude.com/engineswap.htm
http://www.cajundude.com/engineswap.htm
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,952
Likes: 1
From: Waveland MS
Oh wow at the last pic, I have a drive on lift and a spyder lift like in the picture... The problem is my friend blew the seals in my spyder lift because he did not lock his car in, so I am stuck using the drive on... btw ssmith nice EB Z06
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
As stated already, it was designed to come out from the bottom. However, I've heard of several people here who have pulled from the top. I had the top end off my '99 and it looked like it wouldn't be too hard to get the block out, but I didn't do that so I'm not sure.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,376
Likes: 4
From: Hershey, PA, USA
Cruise-In VI Veteran
St. Jude Donor '12
pull it from the bottom. I am doing mine as we speak.
I put it up on jack stands and used a motorcycle jack to pull it out. WAS WAY EASY. did this by myself. The wife just watched to make sure no wires were hooked that i couldn't see. I will try to post up some pics tonight
I put it up on jack stands and used a motorcycle jack to pull it out. WAS WAY EASY. did this by myself. The wife just watched to make sure no wires were hooked that i couldn't see. I will try to post up some pics tonight
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Banned Scam/Spammer
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From: Machineguns, because I don’t compromise
I have my top end off as well. (polishing the engine 100%)
Looking down, it seems it would be easy pulling the longblock itself from the top as long as the intake is off.
If I had to choose between very high jack stands out the bottom, or pulling the intake and yanking from top... I'd choose TOP everytime.
...and will soon enough.
Looking down, it seems it would be easy pulling the longblock itself from the top as long as the intake is off.
If I had to choose between very high jack stands out the bottom, or pulling the intake and yanking from top... I'd choose TOP everytime.
...and will soon enough.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 226
Likes: 2
i can see it going either way as others have stated. i cant even count how many motor installs ive done over the years.. but like i said by looking at it, i think i could do it either way with pros and cons.
when i've done F-body cars, just put the engine lift on the the front of the car and lift the car with the engine lift, and leave the whole engine cradle and suspension on the ground, the roll the engine out from under the car (if doing in your driveway)
my point, you could probably do something similar with the vette if you chose the bottom and dont have access to your spyder rt now.
when i've done F-body cars, just put the engine lift on the the front of the car and lift the car with the engine lift, and leave the whole engine cradle and suspension on the ground, the roll the engine out from under the car (if doing in your driveway)
my point, you could probably do something similar with the vette if you chose the bottom and dont have access to your spyder rt now.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 782
Likes: 45
From: Toronto Ontario
I pulled mine out from the top as well. But before I went up, I had to go down a little. I removed the crossmember and lowered the engine a little to get better access to the upper bellhousing bolts. That was probably the biggest problem (belly plate had to come off for this). Its not hard at all, and in my opinion no different than any other car I've ever worked on. If you have a hoist and can lift the car a mile high, then give 'er. Otherwise, just do it old school out the top.
