Dropping the motor question

DannyBNH · 03-09-2010, 11:32 AM

I'm going to be dropping the motor & tranny soon in my SC to do some transmission/clutch work. I'm a first timer.

I'm meeting with a buddy this weekend to see how he does it, although he told me he "balances" the motor when he lowers it out.

I saw harbor freight has some motorcycle lifts ... is that something that would work?

What are some of the methods you guys use? I'm all ears...

Thanks
Dan

kwikt 911 · kwikt 911's Garage

Yep, the motorcycle lift works great. make sure you use some 2X12 pieces of wood.

rusnak · 12:06 PM

supporting engine at removal

Engine Drop Tips?

Engine drop,finally done

All I can add is to use 6-ton jackstands or larger, especially at the rear torsion bar.

_deek1954 · _deek1954's Garage

follow the pelican 10 easy steps and it is Be Careful with the plugins on the side and back of the engine good luck

gabenheimer · 03-09-2010, 04:39 PM

There are hundreds of threads on this topic. Do a search and you can quickly find the best practices. After doing this several times on my '86 and '87 I strongly recommend you remove the rear bumper. This makes it much easier to get the engine clear of the body without having to jack the car four feet off the ground. Much safer and gives you the opportunity to clean bumper and bellows.

Good luck

Randy

kristan · kristan's Garage

+1 on the bumper removal. You don't have to tilt the car so badly and
it is more leveled for getting the shift rod back in the tunnel.

As for the Harbor Freight motorcycle jack: I works well although it is a bit
short. We ended up adding two 2x4s and a furniture dolly. The 2x4s will help
you to put the engine a bit more forward on the jack. You will need this
space otherwise you will not get the exhaust past the jack's hydraulic bottle.
(see picture)

Apart from that it worked like a charm.

yelcab1 · 03-09-2010, 05:47 PM

your 79sc has a flat oil drain plate where you can balance the engine with a jack. No need for a motorcycle jack. drop it on top of 2 small furniture dollies and you can roll it around the floor. Remove the bumper and you will clear the engine fairly easily.

Good luck.