Engine pull and tools/equipment needed?

[sch2046]

I am getting ready to drop the engine and trans out of my 1980 sc. Do you pull both toghether? Or, engine, then trans? What do you use to support them? Or, is there an easy support I can build to hold them as I lower them? I was going to us a hydraulic jack for the motor, I saw an ate hyrdrolic jack at Harbor Freight for the trans, if done separately,,
Thanks
Sean

[GG Allin]

Motor and trans together. I use a piece of plywood framed with 2x4's and a floor jack. This may not be the best method but it works and I can do it without any help. In these pics, I removed the carbs, fan and shroud from above but the jack stands I use are certainly tall enough to not have to do it that way.

[sch2046]

Thank you for the pictures too. I really appreciate it. I am having a lot of hesitancy in doing this but your pictures just gave the the confidence to do it. Thank you.

[sch2046]

I bought quick jacks for the removal. I thought I would need the Height.......Guess not.

[GG Allin]

When I put the motor in a couple years ago I was surprised at how easy it was. My only other experience was putting an LS2 in to my former M3. Similar in how they went in, from below. A couple more bolts involved with the M3.

[GG Allin]

As far as height goes, you do need some height. Without removing anything from the engine, I'd say at least 25 inches under the rear bumper, maybe more.

[boyt911sc]

Originally Posted by sch2046

I bought quick jacks for the removal. I thought I would need the Height.......Guess not.

You need enough clearance to slide the motor/trans if you are using jack stands for your engine drop. Depending on your contraption, you will need a ground clearance around 36” plus from the floor (bumper and rear valance installed).

There are several ingenious ways DIY’ers drop their motor/trans using jack stands. Most important thing to remember is SAFETY. Since this will be your first engine drop, I strongly suggest not to do it solo. Find someone to be around just in case you get into trouble. Take your time and focus on what your doing and stay SAFE.

Tony

[sch2046]

I think I can add blocks to the quick jack lift to get some height, I also considered removing as much from the rear of the car as possible.

[Matt Monson]

First time I did it at home, I didn’t have jack stands that would go high enough to clear it. What I did was wrap a strap around the chassis, used my cherry picker, and lift the whole rear end high enough to roll the engine/tranny assembly out on the furniture dolly I had lowered it onto.

[fallingat120mph]

I will be doing this for the first time also...86' coupe here.

I have been reading threads for months in my free time and seems like taking the bumper off, for me anyway, will help and I have a lifted Land Rover so have heavy duty and much higher jack stands....something to think about.

Agree with others...SAFETY. Some of the threads from years gone by are very sketchy in their methods...of course some are overkill. I am going in stages and have a camera ready and notepad and will be documenting at each stage. Food for thought.

I want to get all the mistakes out of the way the first time so later in life it will be streamlined and easier...


Good Luck -
Erik

[FA-18C]

Erik, at same stage, planning. 88 Targa, plan on removing the intakes, air box and fuel injection system before dropping.

[PeteKz]

Chris, it's a lot easier if you drop the engine, then remove the intake and FI system. Reverse on reinstall.

[stevie 77 930]

Just did this for an engine refresh.

I sprung for a motorcycle jack at Harbor Freight for the engine/transmission removal a while back and I am glad i did...
Note: you will also need a traditional jack to get car off the ground along with some sturdy jack stands.