Engine install Concerns
 

I am in the middle of my first engine drop on my 82 SC, followed Wayne's instructions went very well. I have it on a stand now repairing oil leaks , adjusting valves and cleaning up the whole thing. SSIs on the way along with sport Dansk. Feel pretty good about project. However I have a concern that keeps creeping up in my dreams. Putting the engine back in and marrying in up to tranny. I will have help, the questions that give me doubt.

After I get engine back under car, do I leave car at the drop height or should I lower car some??

Do I need to take extra care with New SSIs ie bending them??

I have an alignment tool , not sure of the process in lining up tranny shaft to flywheel, clutch engine . Do I try and turn engine to mate.

Then there is the throwout bearing arm fitting to throwout bearing, whats the trick
Those are my main concerns, if there are other possible issues I would really appreciate some advice, would help my sleep

Thanks
Restless in Carolina

You lead the trans shifter into the firewall, clear your axles, lower chassis downso you can set the engine mount bolts then lift trans to get the trans mount lined up. Long philip screwdrivers work great.
The SSI s are very tough stainless, hard to bend.
You put the alignment tool on the clutch, shove the nose into the pilot bearing, bring the pressure plate over the top and install the 9 bolts to 35#ft remove the tool.
When you bring the trans on use 2 people of a cherry picker. Watch the fork through the starter hole or the other port. Swing the fingers into the TOB and all should slide together.
Where in NC?
Bruce

Bruce, Thanks so much, I live in Marvin which is really Charlotte without the pain, Union Co. not the Kingdom of Mecklenberg. You sound like you have done a couple of times. Nash Co. Is that near Rockey Mt
Mac

Its not too late to drop the trans and do it as one unit. I've done it both ways and I find it much easier installing them both as one unit. Just my opinion.

Good Luck!

Bruce, I was re reading your reply, are you saying that after I get engine under car with jack that I should connect to a cherry picker thru the engine compartment
Thanks again
Mac

The cherry picker is to lift the trans to the level of the engine on the table so you can attach the trans and see and watch the fork.
What I do is connect one of the O rings that goes on the engine behind the case breather to the center of the trans to do the lift.
30miles east of Raleigh
Bruce

Remove the transmission from the car, mate it to the engine on the ground, install the whole engine/tran as one unit. It is much easier.

+1

Thanks to all, I will drop tranny

I thought you had the trans out with the engine...duh
Bruce

+1 on dropping the tranny and re installing in one piece. Much easier to line up on the ground where you can see everything.
Triple check to make sure your clutch fork is attached before installing back into the car.
I lowered the car a little onto the drivetrain which helps to line everything up.
Be careful not to rest everything on the trans shaft when re installing which is easy to do if you are rushing or working alone.
Take your time and don't rush it. A little patience helps when lining the 4 bolts up to the car.

Use the clutch alignment tool if you have it but I never needed one.
Line up the 2 units on pallet and / or jack. Make sure they are straight.
Push the tranny further in, engage the fork on the TO bearing.
Grab both of the tranny flanges and turn them in the same direction (forward or back) at the same time push the tranny into the engine. If it goes in to about last 1/2 inch, you are good. Use the nuts to go the rest of the way.

Remember the input shaft end and splines need to have some grease.

YelCab, Good to know, you will make this some what easy. Looks like you have gone to F cars FUN Thanks

Nick , Thanks great help, Pelicans are the best