C6Z engine removal. Need help asap!!!

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Jan 25, 2014 | 06:14 PM

smooth1990

Thread Starter

Drifting

Joined: Feb 2013

Posts: 1,465

Likes: 12

C6Z engine removal. Need help asap!!!

Ok I posted this in the C6Z section also but I am right in the middle of removing the engine and a little help on answering some questions asap would be great!

I am in the process of removing the LS7 out of my 2008 Z06. I have all the wiring and grounds diconnected, The Power steering pump and bracket removed, The exhaust off, All fluids drained, the oil lines disconnected. I am basically down to removing the intake and removing the bell housing bolts and that is where I have questions.

This is the first Ls based engine removal for me. I have done several other major builds such as my 800 whp C4 but The Z06 is a new animal and I would like some questions answered before I proceed.

It appears to me that the steering rack needs to come forward to get enough room to get the engine out the top. ( no lift so removing from the top is my only option.) Is this the case and if so Is there any major issues I should watch out for?

Also I read somewhere that the torque tube should be supported? How exactly should I do this without causing damage? Also what is the easiest way of splitting the engine and bellhousing? I saw somewhere else that guys were dropping the front cradle about a inch to aid in removal.?

I dont have a FSM yet so bare with me guys.

Thanks Al

Jan 26, 2014 | 09:48 AM

ez2spd

Melting Slicks

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 2,014

Likes: 80

From: San Antonio Tx

I just did mine, however I have a lift, the easiest way to access the TT bolts is Drop the 4 front cradle bolts, in your case use a jack under the cradle to lower it safely, I lowered mine slightly over 1". Keep the 2 rear bolts loose in the cradle while completely removing the 2 front cradle bolts, again this is just incase something slips it doesn't allow the cradle to come crashing down. You will need a long 3/4 swivel extension to access the 2 upper bellhousing bolts " it was a slow process even with the lift as limited space was available. Use jack stands to support the torque tube once your bellhousing bolts are out, keep a close eye on firewall during the whole process as it will become very close when you lower it to access the upper bolts... Next one we do we will remove both front and rear cradle and lower the engine TT and Trans down all in one section keeping the body on the lift... Good Luck, I have done them both with and with out lifts, regardless they are both a pain to access the upper bolts...

Jan 26, 2014 | 05:29 PM

sick cc

Racer

Joined: Apr 2012

Posts: 463

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From: Salisbury PA.

loosen the 4 main cradle bolts and your front A arms/shocks and put a jack under it and lower it down.

Jan 26, 2014 | 09:33 PM

ez2spd

Melting Slicks

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 2,014

Likes: 80

From: San Antonio Tx

If you do it that way don't forget to remove the 10mm bolt holding the brake cable, depending on how low you want to go might need to disconnect steering wheel bolt to steering rack and the ebcm/abs pump ( 4 bolts with 1 to the steering rack ) ... All of that will be put on stress if you go lower than 1", Remove the shocks from the bottom 2 bolts I believe

Jan 27, 2014 | 06:05 PM

Pfadt Racing

Safety Car

Joined: Dec 2009

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Like the others have said, you can lower the cradle a little and slide it forward

Pfadt Race Engineering
888-972-2464
info@pfadtracing.com

Jan 28, 2014 | 08:55 AM

smooth1990

Thread Starter

Drifting

Joined: Feb 2013

Posts: 1,465

Likes: 12

Thanks for all the reply guys. My dang cell phone and email usually notify me when I get replies on here but apparently that isnt working so hot. lol

Anyway I ended up getting her out. It was definately a chore being the first time pulling it out of a Z.

I dropped the cradle about a inch, removed the rack and radiator and power steering pump. I also lifted the engine high enough to remove the mounts completely from the cradle and engine block. That made sliding her forward simple as heck. No wiggling involved. Took me a total of 12 hours only because the lift I own didnt have quite a long enough reach and I was doing this by myself. I also bagged and labeled every set of bolts and tore the engine totally down.

I will post a pic of it coming out of the car.

Look for my Mod and rebuild thread here in the Z06 section..

Thanks for all the replies even tho I didnt get to them until tonight!

Have a great night everyone!

And sorry for how dirty she looks! trust she will be pristine before she goes back together!