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Removing engine from top-Need tips

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Old Mar 25, 2016 | 01:50 PM
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Default Removing engine from top-Need tips

Time for a refresh on my C5 LS1. How hard or is it even possible to remove the engine from the top on jackstands?Don't have a lift unfortunatly and I'm in no hurry.

Thanks everyone
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Old Mar 25, 2016 | 02:08 PM
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Here is a great write up:

http://web.archive.org/web/201012091...engineswap.htm

I removed mine from the top. It was not that bad.

If you have a automatic there is a special procedure for supporting the front bearing in the torque tube.

Good luck with your rebuild.
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Old Mar 25, 2016 | 02:25 PM
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Originally Posted by zachaeous
Here is a great write up:

http://web.archive.org/web/201012091...engineswap.htm

I removed mine from the top. It was not that bad.

If you have a automatic there is a special procedure for supporting the front bearing in the torque tube.

Good luck with your rebuild.
Nope,car is manual.Thank you for the link.
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Old Mar 25, 2016 | 03:18 PM
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Leave the torque tube/Trans/diff in the car, just unbolt the torque tube from the bell housing. Pull the bell housing out with the engine.

Unbolt the front cradle and drop it about 5-6" and suspend it on blocks. This way you don't have to pull the rack or disconnect brake lines.

Lift the engine straight out the top without using a load leveler... It'll come right out.





Cradle sitting on blocks, just lowered enough to clear the balancer. And you may not even need to do this with a stock balancer.... (I have a wide 10 rib balancer)

Last edited by ajrothm; Mar 25, 2016 at 03:37 PM.
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Old Mar 26, 2016 | 07:58 AM
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Originally Posted by ajrothm
Leave the torque tube/Trans/diff in the car, just unbolt the torque tube from the bell housing. Pull the bell housing out with the engine.

Unbolt the front cradle and drop it about 5-6" and suspend it on blocks. This way you don't have to pull the rack or disconnect brake lines.

Lift the engine straight out the top without using a load leveler... It'll come right out.





Cradle sitting on blocks, just lowered enough to clear the balancer. And you may not even need to do this with a stock balancer.... (I have a wide 10 rib balancer)
Very helpful pics,thanks. Looks like a straightforward job,nothing complicated,just time-consuming haha.
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Old Mar 26, 2016 | 10:59 AM
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Originally Posted by ajrothm
Leave the torque tube/Trans/diff in the car, just unbolt the torque tube from the bell housing. Pull the bell housing out with the engine.

Unbolt the front cradle and drop it about 5-6" and suspend it on blocks. This way you don't have to pull the rack or disconnect brake lines.

Lift the engine straight out the top without using a load leveler... It'll come right out...........
That sounds like an easier method than what most suggest.

Is there any difficulty getting the torque tube and splined shaft to line up with the clutch during reassembly?
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Old Mar 26, 2016 | 01:36 PM
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Originally Posted by QCVette
That sounds like an easier method than what most suggest.

Is there any difficulty getting the torque tube and splined shaft to line up with the clutch during reassembly?
Mine is an auto, so the coupler on the flex plate (where the splines are) is slightly more "opened" on the initial entry, so I have no issue at all getting it stabbed in... I've done it twice so far, by myself..

The only thing I usually need a second hand with is lifting the cradle back up to the frame squarely... If it is slightly tilted either front or rear, you'll get it a bind getting the mount holes going over the studs.

I'm sure there is an easier way to R&R the engine then I did it... I've only done it twice, without a lift... First time I pulled the rack all the way out and the cradle all the way out to clean it all..

The rack is a pain in the a$$ to get in and out.

The second time I R&R'd the engine is in the pics above. Left the rack in place and connected as well as the brake lines. I just lowered the cradle just enough to get the balancer to clear the rack/cradle. Maybe 6".

If you had a longer engine hoist, you could probably skip pulling the front bumper cover.. Which is a pain in the a$$ in itself.
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Old Mar 26, 2016 | 04:55 PM
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I have another question for you guys.
How do I properly install a new crank pulley if there is no pulley on the crank right now.
I have read somewhere that it's installed differently than on a Camaro LS1 because of the transmission being in the rear of the car.

I already know I have to use a M16 x2.0 rod wit a nut to put it back on.Torque to 37lb-ft 140deg and then to 240lb-ft.

Last edited by Chatmove; Mar 26, 2016 at 04:56 PM.
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Old Mar 27, 2016 | 08:04 AM
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Pulled mine from the top (A4) twice no issues..... Remove the rad, drop the rack, etc, support bell housing and front of torque tube, no issues.... Have a bunch of pics on my phone, I'll send them to you -let me know
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Old Mar 27, 2016 | 09:22 PM
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Originally Posted by dankhts
Pulled mine from the top (A4) twice no issues..... Remove the rad, drop the rack, etc, support bell housing and front of torque tube, no issues.... Have a bunch of pics on my phone, I'll send them to you -let me know
Do I absolutely need to remove the rad?It's no big deal anyway but just making sure I don't add useless steps.

I have another question for you guys.
How do I properly install a new crank pulley if there is no pulley on the crank right now.
I have read somewhere that it's installed differently than on a Camaro LS1 because of the transmission being in the rear of the car.

I already know I have to use a M16 x2.0 rod wit a nut to put it back on.Torque to 37lb-ft 140deg and then to 240lb-ft.

Last edited by Chatmove; Mar 27, 2016 at 09:23 PM.
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Old Mar 28, 2016 | 02:32 PM
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I did not remove my radiator, had plenty of room to go forward.

As far as the crank pulley I know that a balance issue is at play with the manual transmission. Weights are use to final balance the rotating assy at the factory.

I even marked the location and orientation on mine so I could put it back in the same place. Mine is a automatic.

Do you have the balancer that came off so you can check to see if has weights in the drilled holes it in?

There are more experienced people here that may chime in on this also. Good luck with your repair.
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Old Mar 30, 2016 | 09:42 AM
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You should pull the radiator and clean the fins, you will be shocked at what come out.
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Old Mar 30, 2016 | 06:18 PM
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Originally Posted by zachaeous
I did not remove my radiator, had plenty of room to go forward.

As far as the crank pulley I know that a balance issue is at play with the manual transmission. Weights are use to final balance the rotating assy at the factory.

I even marked the location and orientation on mine so I could put it back in the same place. Mine is a automatic.

Do you have the balancer that came off so you can check to see if has weights in the drilled holes it in?

There are more experienced people here that may chime in on this also. Good luck with your repair.
I think the balancer was incorrectly installed because the bolt kept getting loose.Yes I have the old balancer I'll have to verify.

Originally Posted by FASTFATBOY
You should pull the radiator and clean the fins, you will be shocked at what come out.
Haha I see.I will remove and clean it while I'm there.
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Old Apr 1, 2016 | 10:49 PM
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Still looking for infos about the crank pulley installation.


Thanks.
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