Motor Mount Install - Best Method Advice?
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 12
Likes: 1
From: Austin, TX
Motor Mount Install - Best Method Advice?
I've scoured all the threads and YouTube and I've had conflicted methods/findings on installing new engine mounts (mine blew apart at the track last weekend in a orange smelly goo glory). I'm about a level II YouTube mechanic at this point, this job seems to be right in my grey area of DIY vs. a shop:
My options are:
1) Pay local LS shop $120/hr labor at 4 hours for job (seems high on job hours to me)
2) Rent 4 post lift at local DIY for $30/hr + also rent a trans jack
3) Complete it in the driveway with jackstands/jacks
Car & Parts: Base 09 w/ AR longtubes, using Hinson OEM-height mounts
My main questions:
1) If on a lift, does just lifting the engine slightly and not lowering the subframe provide necessary clearance to slide out the mount-to-block brackets? If no...
2) Does loosening the subframe bolts (without removing) and prying provide enough clearance? If no...
3) Do I need to remove my exhaust?
4) Does lowering the subframe cause a need for an alignment afterwards?
5) I'm ready to upgrade to Z51 swaybars and Bilsteins. If I'm removing these anyways, do I somehow end up creating a path to access anything easier?
Please drop any threads/videos/findings you found helpful below as well. Any and all advice is welcomed/appreciated. Thanks!
My options are:
1) Pay local LS shop $120/hr labor at 4 hours for job (seems high on job hours to me)
2) Rent 4 post lift at local DIY for $30/hr + also rent a trans jack
3) Complete it in the driveway with jackstands/jacks
Car & Parts: Base 09 w/ AR longtubes, using Hinson OEM-height mounts
My main questions:
1) If on a lift, does just lifting the engine slightly and not lowering the subframe provide necessary clearance to slide out the mount-to-block brackets? If no...
2) Does loosening the subframe bolts (without removing) and prying provide enough clearance? If no...
3) Do I need to remove my exhaust?
4) Does lowering the subframe cause a need for an alignment afterwards?
5) I'm ready to upgrade to Z51 swaybars and Bilsteins. If I'm removing these anyways, do I somehow end up creating a path to access anything easier?
Please drop any threads/videos/findings you found helpful below as well. Any and all advice is welcomed/appreciated. Thanks!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 1,023
Likes: 172
From: Auburn Al
When I installed my hinson mounts I supported the engine under the oil pan and unbolted the mount from the side of the block switched everything around and bolted the assembly back on the block WA-LA!
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 12
Likes: 1
From: Austin, TX
Did you use a lift or stands? You didn’t have to lower your cradle at all?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 1,023
Likes: 172
From: Auburn Al
Didn't touch the cradle at all. However you want to get the car up. Just use a little bottle jack under the oil pan little block of wood between the jack and the pan. Your not jacking for the moon just want to take the weight off
Safety Car
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 4,651
Likes: 1,836
From: Erlanger, Kentucky
I changed the motor mounts on my C5 Z06 on jack stands in my parking space. I would imagine the C6 should be identical.
I ended up removing the exhaust manifolds to have more room to work. It probably isn't completely necessary but having them out the way lowered my frustration level significantly.
I removed the nuts on the bottom and jacked up the engine on the rear of the oil pan (very carefully). It did not give my quite enough clearance to get the mounts out so I also loosened the mount to engine brackets.
Dropping the subframe would also give the proper clearance. You can drop it about an inch and you won't need to get an alignment.
I ended up removing the exhaust manifolds to have more room to work. It probably isn't completely necessary but having them out the way lowered my frustration level significantly.
I removed the nuts on the bottom and jacked up the engine on the rear of the oil pan (very carefully). It did not give my quite enough clearance to get the mounts out so I also loosened the mount to engine brackets.
Dropping the subframe would also give the proper clearance. You can drop it about an inch and you won't need to get an alignment.
