Engine install question

[Espritmike]

I diassembed the engine in pieces and am reinstalling now. Question is is it easier to bolt the block in then the heads as the bell housing bolts are difficult to access? Or assemble the long block with exhaust and turbo all together. A little history, I own an auto shop in Pomona but actually had one of my junior techs tear this thing apart. Also would love to have somebody come by with their sy/Ty for reference when I get to final assembly. In exchange I'll let them use my rack to inspect do oil change etc. Call me if your in the area. Mike 909-576-4337

 

[dgoodhue]

Re: Engine install question

You can put the motor as a long block. I did mine with the exhuast manifolds on but not the turbo or crossover, but I have heard you can leave them in. If you have the stock downpipe and cat (one piece, put that in before you install the motor.

 

[Don W.]

Re: Engine install question

I would do it as a long block with the lower intake on. Much less chance of dropping something or getting dirt in there. IMHO The heads are much easier with the block on a stand. The most difficult part is the upper bell housing bolts. But, obviously, it can be done. Do them -before- the mounts so you can lower the motor past where it belongs for that last little bit of room. Takes patience. Leave out the dist. (kinda obvious) Exhaust manifolds? I'd leave them off. Not hard to install afterward and motor mounts are easier with them off.

 

[Icarus-54]

Re: Engine install question

I've done it both ways,you can put it in as a complete long block,but you'll have to pull the front dif. to clear the oil pan.It's much easier to put it in with out the heads,lower it sideways,then turn it after it clears the front dif.Takes about 10 minutes without the heads.
Pulling the front dif. is a real PITA.
Jack

 

[Don W.]

Re: Engine install question

I've done it both ways,you can put it in as a complete long block,but you'll have to pull the front dif. to clear the oil pan.It's much easier to put it in with out the heads,lower it sideways,then turn it after it clears the front dif.Takes about 10 minutes without the heads.
Pulling the front dif. is a real PITA.
Jack

Hmmm, I can do it with the pan on. Takes a couple of cuss words but it goes.

 

[Norm]

Re: Engine install question

Put it in as a long block. When I had the v6 in mine, I had it in and out a couple times for various reasons. I put the cross over on later as the lower intercooler was off.More complete is easier,just make sure you have the fuel lines up to the tranny tunnel,because they are a bitch later on.See if you can find the manual from gm,it helps in the step by step re assembly.The down pip was abit of a pain, but then again when isn't working on one of these things a pain. There's alot of stuff jammed into a small space. The tranny bolts are do able,getting scrapped knuckles is part of the game.

 

[mowglie]

Re: Engine install question

Complete its not that bad