Getting the engine/trans in

[Hotwire]

I'll get this started, sorry if I go too elementary..



Getting a couple of dependable, careful, gearheaded friends to help you run the assembly in to the car is key. Cheap harbor freight moving blankets are an added plus to the job.

Also need to have one of these on hand: https://www.amazon.com/AFF-582-Engin.../dp/B000GKJHKI

Mount the chains so that the brackets won't hit the firewall once the engine is in.

Pull the shifter from the trans and tape up the opening in the trans. Pull the hood and store it somewhere safe (I usually use moving blankets and leave it on the roof of the car) Drop assembly in, you'll need a hard angle at first to get the tailshaft down and in, then use a floor jack in the trans mount area to cradle the trans back and in. Get the motor mount bolts installed then see where your shifter housing will be in the tunnel. Mark it, pull engine trans, make your cut. Reinstall, rinse, repeat. Check your pinion angle while everything is bolted down. I like to leave my shifter opening large enough that I can pull the shifter while the trans is installed, but that's not for everybody. If you aren't running a center console you need a larger shift boot to cover it up.

[roguegeek]

I'll get this started, sorry if I go too elementary..

I prefer it explained like this. As I stated on my project page, I went into this project with very little experience and am relying on my resourcefulness, ability to quickly learn, and with no fear of failing. I just need to be pointed in the right direction most of the time, so I appreciate your feedback.

Getting a couple of dependable, careful, gearheaded friends to help you run the assembly in to the car is key. Cheap harbor freight moving blankets are an added plus to the job. Also need to have one of these on hand: https://www.amazon.com/AFF-582-Engin.../dp/B000GKJHKI

Mount the chains so that the brackets won't hit the firewall once the engine is in.

Sweet. Have one. I did disassemble this car from when it was entirely complete and that included pulling the previous engine/trans in and out.

Pull the shifter from the trans and tape up the opening in the trans. Pull the hood and store it somewhere safe (I usually use moving blankets and leave it on the roof of the car) Drop assembly in, you'll need a hard angle at first to get the tailshaft down and in, then use a floor jack in the trans mount area to cradle the trans back and in. Get the motor mount bolts installed then see where your shifter housing will be in the tunnel. Mark it, pull engine trans, make your cut. Reinstall, rinse, repeat. Check your pinion angle while everything is bolted down. I like to leave my shifter opening large enough that I can pull the shifter while the trans is installed, but that's not for everybody. If you aren't running a center console you need a larger shift boot to cover it up.

Ok, so besides getting the assembly together and getting it actually into the body, it sounds like I really just need to worry about the tunnel cut for this next step. So a couple of questions here.

• Should I installed the clutch, bell housing, and trans on the engine with it on an engine stand (don't have one yet)? On an engine hoist (do have one)? Is the crate that the engine comes sitting on good enough to support that installation?
• Would it be easier if I just removed the front end with radiator support entirely? Or is that not worth it? I don't mind putting in this time if it makes it easier, but I'm not sure of the value of this.
• I'm guessing when I'm putting the assembly in, I'm doing so without the trans support crossmember? After I get the motor bolted in, do I put the support back on to determine where the cut should be made?
• Can you give me a little more details on the logistics of "seeing" where to make the cut? I'm guessing it will probably make sense after I have the trans in, but I'm just having a hard time understanding if there's enough room to see where it should be made.
• In terms of the actual cut, I'd rather leave it large enough for maintenance in the future. Is there some sort of template I should be following or do people just make it?
• After the cut is made, the assembly is in, and the shifter is reattached, what's used here to "seal" the cabin from the outside?

Thanks so much for your time on this.