First Engine Drop Questions

[Joejitsu]

Hey guys, doing my first engine drop from my 74 targa and I have some early questions for the more experienced.

1) While disconnecting the brake light switch do I also have to disconnect the spedo cable, even if I don't plan on droppin the tanny?

2) I found that the hex nut on the shift coupler won't budge at all. Can I bypass this step by detaching the coupler from the shift rod by loosening the 10mm bolt that tightens the rod onto the coupler instead? I know this may mean I will have to readjust my shifting, but will it serve the same purpose for the engine drop?

Thanks guys, I am sure I will have tons more questions tomorrow.

Joe

[Joeaksa]

Joe,

Drop the tranny with the engine. Its a lot easier that way. Just pull the half shafts off at the gearbox and undo the speedo cable, clutch cable and reverse light wires. Do not forget the starter motor "signal" wire!

You can pull the other bolt but I would then work on the other fastener as you will need to loosen it to properly adjust the linkage when you put it back in.

JoeA

[marcesq]

1) I think that is the back up light switch you are talking about and the answer is No.

2) It all depends on whether the coupler will fit through the hole in the firewall, and I just can't remember if it is.

[makaio]

I just dropped the motor in my SC for the first time about a month ago, and would suggest dropping the tranny with it, if you have the extra hands/jacks to do it.

[aigel]

I agree, trans should come out with the engine.

How hard have you tried on the hex head screw? It is a pretty rugged screw, even though it doesn't look like it. I certainly would go at it hard, you will want to do something about it anyway, so you might as well give it all.

Taking the coupler out with the transmission defeats the purpose of the setting screw. You don't want to do bandaid jobs like that, unless you sell the car next month.

George

[ipapilot]

Don't think the coupler will fit through the firewall hole, so I would give the hex nut hell til' it breaks loose (use all the tricks, nut buster, heat...)

[Joejitsu]

okay, finally got the damn hex nut off. Wayne's book says don't mess with the other bolt on the coupler, but how in the heck are we supposed to get the tranny rod loose from the coupler?? It won't move without completely disconnecting all of the coupler bolts.

[Joejitsu]

anyone??

[Joeaksa]

Go to an auto parts store and buy a "tranny jack" for around $50. Best way to level the engine/tranny and get it out. Lots better than a floor jack or the other expensive options.

Tranny rod should slide right off of the shift rod. Pry the pinch portion on the rod open a bit to allow the coupling to slide off.

JoeA

[efhughes3]

Joe-is a transmission jack more useful here than an ATV jack? I've got a drop coming up too.

[ipapilot]

I'd use an atv jack in a heartbeat over a floor jack or tranny jack. Don't even know how you would do it with a tranny jack, unless it is just used for balancing.

[aigel]

That connection should come right apart. If it doesn't, you need to convince it.

I use a jack and a home made dolly with a cutout to pull engines. Works like a charm, even if you are by yourself. I also have seen the jack adapter one can buy in action, works great also.

An ATV jack on the other hand, I have seen collide with the exhaust, not allowing the jack to fold together ...

George

[wowzer911]

I DROPPED MINE AND JUST RECENTLY PUT BACK IN.
I USED AN ATV/MOTORCYCLE LIFT W/ 2X4 WOOD BLOCKING AND IT WORKED GREAT (SAMS CLUB HAS BEST DEAL), I DID IT BY MYSELF. BUT I DID REMOVE THE MUFFLER & BUMPER.
MOTOR WITH TRANSAXEL BALANCED PERFECTLY, PLUS IT JACKED RIGHT UP TO MY ENGINE STAND....SLICK.

[randywebb]

That connection should come right apart [when you start moving the 500 lb.+ motor/tranny].

Pry & wiggle the coupling a bit.

[djmcmath]

Try "shifting" a couple of times. You'll find that, even if the hex head socket bolt is in loose, the connection will come apart really fast. Ask me how I know.

Dan

[2.7RACER]

I've dropped my 2.7 from my race car for routine between season work the last three years. The ATV jack works great. Dropped a friends 88 911 and my sons 86 911. The ATV provides the necessary stability when working alone. Also provides a decent work height for all but splitting the case.
I like the ATV jack offered at Sams club. My .02 cents.

[Joejitsu]

Hey guys, first engine drop now complete! I decided to go ahead and drop the engine only, even though dropping the tranny with it would have been easier probably. Some first timer comments.

The "shifting" technique worked well to get the coupler off the tranny rod. I had shifted a few times before I gave up and posted here, but all it took was a few more vigorous shifts.

That fourth nut holding the engine on the tranny was a royal PITA!! But I got that sucker, finally. I definitely suggest trying to drop the engine a few inches and tackling the nut from inside the engine compartment.

Separating the engine from tranny was a bit tough as well, but doable.

Finally, I don't know why in the world more people don't use an engine hoist...definitely one of the best buys I have made for my project. Elevated the back of the car about 5 feet no problem...then when my engine fell of balance from my jack and leaned on the floor, simply used the hoist to pick the whole thing up and place it in the corner of my garage...no problemo. Then it folds up and stores conveniently.

By the way I did the drop by myself, no helper hands or eyes and did it with the standard floor jack, and my engine hoist. So while it is a bit of a tough project for a first timer with no mechanical experience, it can be done!

Joe

[rcecale]

Congrats, Joe! Way to hang in there!!!

I just performed my first drop this past spring and know how challenging it can be the first time. I found that if you just take your time and check and double-check everything, it will happen.

I did mine as an assembly (Engine/Tranny) and it was pretty easy, all-in-all. I'd suggest you go ahead and drop the tranny out now and assemble it to the engine before putting it back in. It was tricky enough to get the tranny attached while it was all out of the car, I can't imagine trying to line everything up with the tranny still in the car ALL BY MYSELF!

But of course, (how do they say it around here?) "Your mileage may vary!

Oh yeah! Don't forget the obligatory pic of your grape sticking up through the engine bay???

Randy

[aigel]

Originally posted by Joejitsu
Hey guys, first engine drop now complete! I decided to go ahead and drop the engine only, even though dropping the tranny with it would have been easier probably. ....

So while it is a bit of a tough project for a first timer with no mechanical experience, it can be done!

Congrats!

It will be the re-installation that's going to be interesting. Getting things to mate up in the car, including clutch fork, will be fun. Of course, you can always pull the trans too.

What's the reason you left the trans in there? The fact that the shift coupler was giving you trouble?

Good Luck!

George