c5 engine removal
Instructor
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 174
Likes: 45
From: Pahrump NV.
It can be done BUT it is not easy! Their was a thread on it some time ago, I would strongly suggest against it!!!
It wont be easy NOT AT ALL and you'll probably break stuff in process.
The engine needs to go way far forward Radiator saddle gets in the way and other stuff plus the angles you have to tilt the engine block I would advise against it.
I have done it a few times now threw the bottom WITHOUT dropping rear end and transmission that is far easier way to go in my opinion.
But you do need to get the whole car up in the air, 4 very large Jack stands does will work, I have a very large set that gets the car way up in the air enough to slide the engine out once its on the ground.
Removing Sub frame from Block and Intake and heads first will help getting clearance to get the engine out from under the car..
You still have to tilt the engine block to get it out and in at some critical angles to get the Input shaft out/in and be able to hold it at those angles adjust as necessary.
Even with a Two post lift its not an easy job! much easier to drop whole engine drive shaft transmission and rear end all out as an assembly as described in the manual
A Two post lift is the way to go for this job, I have this not every one does. I actually bought My Two post lift after getting the engine out the bottom the first time using big Jack stands just too sketchy for me.
I got it done but the Process of lifting the car up high enough on the Jack stands is the sketchy part THEN letting it back down its not easy its not exactly safe either.
It wont be easy NOT AT ALL and you'll probably break stuff in process.
The engine needs to go way far forward Radiator saddle gets in the way and other stuff plus the angles you have to tilt the engine block I would advise against it.
I have done it a few times now threw the bottom WITHOUT dropping rear end and transmission that is far easier way to go in my opinion.
But you do need to get the whole car up in the air, 4 very large Jack stands does will work, I have a very large set that gets the car way up in the air enough to slide the engine out once its on the ground.
Removing Sub frame from Block and Intake and heads first will help getting clearance to get the engine out from under the car..
You still have to tilt the engine block to get it out and in at some critical angles to get the Input shaft out/in and be able to hold it at those angles adjust as necessary.
Even with a Two post lift its not an easy job! much easier to drop whole engine drive shaft transmission and rear end all out as an assembly as described in the manual
A Two post lift is the way to go for this job, I have this not every one does. I actually bought My Two post lift after getting the engine out the bottom the first time using big Jack stands just too sketchy for me.
I got it done but the Process of lifting the car up high enough on the Jack stands is the sketchy part THEN letting it back down its not easy its not exactly safe either.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 815
Likes: 533
From: Miami, Fl
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,859
Likes: 4,658
I strongly advise doing it the way you're thinking, and that's up and out. There's so much crap you have to watch for taking the body up off the drivetrain......I have a lift, and I've done it both ways. If I ever do it again, it's coming out the top, NOT lifting the body again. Unless you have a special dolly fabled up, the drive train will sit where you lifted the body, until you put it back. Not worth it. Take it out the top. BE AWARE OF THE FOLLOWING!!!!!
If you have an A4, theres a pinch bolt on the flex plate/starter ring gear, that wont allow the engine to slide forward off the dowels that align the torque tube to the block!! The manual trans cars do NOT have this pinch bolt.......
If you have an A4, theres a pinch bolt on the flex plate/starter ring gear, that wont allow the engine to slide forward off the dowels that align the torque tube to the block!! The manual trans cars do NOT have this pinch bolt.......
