Why cant I get the engine back in

[JCunningham]

from what iv been told you need the car 4 feet in the air to put it in all 1 piece. im on stands

[blake-b]

Originally Posted by JCunningham

from what iv been told you need the car 4 feet in the air to put it in all 1 piece. im on stands

You don't need 4', more like 2'-3'. Jack the back end up higher than the front. You might need 4' if you are removing the engine/trans cradle from the bottom. You don't need as much if you are taking it out the top.

If it helps, take the front wheels off and set it down just a little bit. Also, take off the hood. 4 bolts and undo the rod that holds it up and it is out. The rod has a little clip on it, just pry it out (not off).

The weight of the trans will angle the whole assembly down. With the back of the car higher than the front, the angling down makes it very easy to take out the engine. I did it all by myself. Just make sure you have enough room at the front of the car to pull the engine hoist back enough until you can raise the assembly for the trans to clear the bay.

I plan on installing it the same way: engine/trans together. Up and over the radiator support. Lower slowly to line up the engine mounts. I'm also going to make sure to have a helper too. Another thing I plan on doing is having something under the car like a block of wood or an extra floorjack for the trans is so it doesn't go onto the floor.

It is hard to tell in the pic, but the back end of then car is probably 3' in the air. I am 6'1 and can see over the trunk. This is how my car has been since I removed the engine/trans. The front end is low enough I can step over the radiator support to step on the front engine cross member.

[JCunningham]

i have no way of getting the back of the car up 3'. I do have the bumper, wheels, and hood off.

[blake-b]

Do you have a floor jack you can put some wood on to get more lift?

You could get by with less height, the important thing is being able to get the transmission into the tunnel without scraping it badly along the floor. I suppose you could get the back as high as you can, put a creeper or something that will slide or roll easily and lower the transmission tail onto it. Then, roll/push the assembly back and, as the trans approaches the firewall, lower it and hope there is enough height for the bellhousing to go into the transmission tunnel.

Theoretically, if you have a smooth concrete floor, there won't be any damage to the trans by sliding it on the floor itself. Especially if it is lowered gently onto it.

[snarky]

[Pluto]

Yeah before anything I would try the bleeding route it just sucks that you can't get to it until Monday

[AITI]

Originally Posted by JCunningham

i did tighten it in a crisscross pattern with the tool. the tool will still go all the way in.
did a cam, lifters, oil pickup tube, Improved Racing oil baffle, and crank scraper.
Aries the car is on stands so theres not enough room to put the engine and trans in the car together correct? I was thinking remove the trans and let it sit on the floor. bolt engine in then put trany in.

Even though the alignment tool slides in. it still could be slightly off. Thats why it is critical to wiggle it all ways so you judge the center of the play. Don't force it. Also, inspect the pilot bearing you installed to ensure it was not damaged. Good luck!

[GMfan454]

Originally Posted by Homeless Man

Why was it out

My question as well. OP, you are a far superior/braver mechanic than myself.

[JCunningham]

Originally Posted by JCunningham

did a cam, lifters, oil pickup tube, Improved Racing oil baffle, and crank scraper.

and a Monster billet bearing support and remote bleeder

[1977and2010]

I had to loosen the two Caitlynn bolts and jack the Caitlynn up and down a few times to get everything to line up. I've unfortunately had to do it twice by myself. The angles have to be just right. Also like said before wiggle the driveshaft and or crank balancer.

[DieselMD @ Futral]

Line it up perfectly the way you had it, then have someone hold pressure on the front pushing in toward the trans. Get in the car and push the clutch pedal quickly (assuming its bled). This will let the disc align and motor fall into place.

[JCunningham]

its not bled

[h018871]

OP I had similar difficulty reinstalling my motor. Dropped the trans, put the engine in place and then stabbed the trans. This is a pain, but the way I got it together

[JCunningham]

im thinking that might be the way ill have to do it.