First semi-solo engine drop... what I learned

Neilk · 11-16-2003, 09:27 AM

Hi All,

Just finished my first ever semi solo engine drop. I have participated in two other drops but there were always experienced people around. This time I only had my non mechanically inclined brother to help me out. He helped me guide the engine out so that the transmission input shaft wouldn't get bent.

So what did I learn...

1. Double check that you disconnect EVERYTHING. I forgot the hard line to the oil tank and kind of bent it up a little before noticing it. It bent back into it's proper position. Hopefully I didn't mess it up to much. I'll inspect it once I disconnect the transmission.

2. Once the transmission is clear of the tunnel, have your helper make sure that the transmission clears the swaybar that you disconnected from the body. I kind got hung up on it.

3. Plug every oil line before you drop the engine (should be part of #1). The S-hose spilled about a cup of oil all over the place once the engine was tilted back.

4. 31.5 inches is about the minimum height you want when you drop a carbed 911 engine. The engine just cleared with maybe an inch to spare.

Overall it's amazing simple. My car is almost ready for the body shop to haul it away for a mini restoration/ full repaint and repair.

Neilk · 11-16-2003, 09:31 AM

Here's a picture for the archives!

Randy Webb · 11-16-2003, 09:58 AM

It is simple -- Charles Manson used to do VW engine drops on their dune buggies in the middle of the desert.

But why did you remove the center body panel? Seems like just more work to me.

Also, consider anything that might be easier to loosen while the engine is in the car -- e.g. heat exchangers, tranny bolts.

Neilk · 11-16-2003, 10:04 AM

I am getting the car repainted, so I started taking the car apart.

It is pretty simple, although I think I will let the body shop install the engine and I'll reconnect everything myself. I don't want to scratch up a newly painted car.

11-16-2003, 10:11 AM

Hey Neil, that's very cool. Are you having Roy do the work?

Neilk · 11-16-2003, 10:19 AM

Hey Mark,

We missed you yesterday! Yeah, Roy's just about finished building his new shop, so he can start working on my car. How's Seattle?

11-16-2003, 10:43 AM

It's cool and wet today, but there has been some really nice weather and good get togethers up here.
I bet you're stoked about the restoration. Are you doing any mechanical stuff?