All,

I'm in the process of rebuilding my LS6. Due to various issues (parts shortages, machine shop wait times, family/life, etc.), I'm getting antsy in my pantsy to get my car back on the road. The rebuild of the engine also included removal of the driveline for a diff rebuild, and I removed the components like so:

1.) Drop rear cradle
2.) remove diff/trans/torque tube as one assy.
3.) remove engine using engine hoist out the passenger side of the car (passenger side afforded the most room in my garage)

The driveline is still on the floor, and I'm going to need the crank machined before final assembly can commence. Thus, I'd like to use that time to install the driveline (cradle/diff/trans/torque tube) so that when the engine is assembled, that'll be the last piece. My questions are:

1.) With the driveline installed, would I be able to easily install the short block that's assembled with flywheel/clutch and vibration damper? The front cradle and steering rack are still in place.
2.) I thought about perhaps a long block with flywheel/clutch/damper sans intake manifold (that's how I pulled the engine, but recall the driveline was removed at this point) - would this be possible, or will I have alignment issues with the clutch disc and input shaft?
3.) Will I have room to install the bell housing to block and torque tube to bell housing bolts?
4.) Am I an ambitious buffoon and should install everything in the reverse order of removal?

I appreciate any and all feedback!

 

Nobody here has pulled their engine that can share some tips?

 

I have not pulled my engine, but I can say removing/installing the bell housing with the engine in the car is a miserable experience.

 

Indeed it is. I removed mine prior to pulling the engine out, which is why I’m concerned about trying to install the engine with it bolted to the block.

 

here's a couple of threads from the forum
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...e-removal.html

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-from-top.html

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...need-tips.html

 

In this case you will need to drop the front cradle, no other way to get the input shaft on the TT lined up with the clutch. Firewall makes the angles all wrong and the batwing pans hit the cradle.

 

This is your answer. You’ll have to drop the front cradle. If you’re ok with that you’ll be fine to install everything else now.

 

FWIW here's the step by step out of the Haynes Manual.