FFCam1991

iTrader: (4)

I'm about to reinstall my engine. I'd like to do it all in one go, if possible, so that means transmission and all the accessories already in place. This would make things so much easier, the transmission is pain to install with the car on stands.

I'm thinking I'll have to come in from the side since the nose of a Firebird is so long and I don't really have enough room to come in from the front.

How do you guys attach the crane to the engine? I've seen lifting plates placed under the intake manifold bolts. I'm not sure if this is the correct way to do it? Seems like a lot of stress on bolts threading into aluminum heads. What is the safest way to do this?

Additionally, any problems hoisting/installing the transmission and engine already connected?

Thanks!

Apeiron

The threads in the head for the manifold bolts are more than strong enough.

You might want to get an engine leveller, especially if you'll be putting it in with the transmission installed.

Aaron_SK

iTrader: (1)

Take off the hood, radiator, nose and crash bar, get the car up high, run the lift in the front, use a load leveler.

Have some space in front of the car so you can bring the engine forward while it's level, then when the trans is over the engine bay tip it back at an extreme angle to drop the whole thing through. Throw a creeper under the car to catch the tailshaft so it doesn't smack the ground.

You will spend more time fighting the nose than you will R&Ring it IMHO.

torque_is_good

how did you get it out?

absolutely install it with the tranny attached

it's not going in with the accessories or headers mounted

but, the good news is that you'll have the hoist there so installing the headers is duck soup once you get the engine somewhat situated

Oh, now is a good time to remove that silly metal pipe that runs from the heater core to the radiator. Your headers are going to contact it so yank it out and use a hose in place of that pipe

FFCam1991

iTrader: (4)

Good stuff guys..so I'll make sure not to install the accessory brackets or headers. I can see why that might be a stretch to fit in.

Is it impossible to guide it in with 2 or 3 guys without a load leveler? I'm just borrowing the hoist and don't have access to a leveler.

And just install the lifting plates at opposite corners of the engine?

Thanks again.

Aaron_SK

iTrader: (1)

It is difficult to do without a leveler in a thirdgen because of the fixed upper core support. I would check around and see if one can be rented or borrowed locally.

robguitargod1

iTrader: (4)

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Torin-Jack...veler/14560057

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...T%7CGRP2042___

I bought my leveler from Autozone and worked fine.

torque_is_good

sbc and 700r auto tranny
3rd gen

i still had the front clip on because i was eventually going to remove it in the future for painting

tranny and engine bolted together

1 chain on diagonal sides of the engine

floor jack with a 2x4 poised and ready under the car

my car was on generic floor jacks with a click or 2 left so they weren't even all the way up


lift engine way up

push hoist forward

push down on tranny as you lower and keep pushing the hoist forward

set tranny on the 2x4 and slide it backward a little


seriously

you're worrying over nothing

1gary

Just a thought.Has anyone cut that core support out of the way and then weld on ears to bolt it back in place??.

Yeah-I meant the center part of it.

Jim85IROC

iTrader: (2)

I do mine without the trans. I find it easier to deal with just the motor. Putting the trans in later isn't difficult... Though I haven't done a t56 yet.

AlkyIROC

I'm lucky. With front and rear motor plates, dropping in the engine is easy but I can't do it with the transmission attached. I also need to remove the nose from the car but mine is only held on by about 8 bolts/screws and the headlight plugs. The nose on my car can be removed in less than 5 minutes

As mentioned above, with a transmission attached, you need a leveler. Harbor freight should also carry them.

Also as mentioned above, remove the nose. This may seem time consuming but it will give you a lot more access to push the engine/tranny in from the front. Engine hoists don't roll sideways so going in from the side isn't practical. Unless you have a real good hoist with a very long reach, you'll contact the nose of the car before the engine is in position. Removing the nose allows you to position the hoist right to the firewall. In that first picture above, when the engine and tranny are level, the adjustment will be at the rear of the engine so you need the reach.

Although it's a pain to reach the bellhousing bolts, it can be a lot easier to install the engine, support the back of it then install the transmission.

LS4GXP

iTrader: (2)

I've had no problems pulling my motor out in both my firebird and my camaro with the trans attacked. Also didnt remove the front bumber, nor did i use a leveler. Just carb plate with a hook on it and pulled the motor.

Everyone told me i had no room with the nose attached, i must have bought the 2 f bodys that had a smaller front end

AlkyIROC

Or you have an engine crane with a longer than normal reach.

1gary

Forty some yrs of engine swaps and I never found the usefulness of levelers.Well really they haven't been around for that long,but I think you get my point.Carb plate??.Yepper that is the way to do it.