Questions on my first engine drop...
 

So I'm preparing the car to drop the engine, but there's this wire harness coming from the firewall on the right side of the car...

The harness snakes through the engine, part of it goes to the 14-pin connector, part to the CDI box and a few wires enter the air duct, probably going to the alternator.

Questions:
The 3-pin plug on the CDI is held by something, or is it just a matter of pulling ?
The wires going to the alt - guess I'll have to remove it to disconnect them ?

Thanks

Engine harness disconnect.........
 

PJR,

You could disconnect the alternator wiring connections after the engine drop which would be more convenient with the engine out. The CDI is plugged tight and would require some wiggling to pull it out. The CDI plug and the 14-pin connector have to be done prior to engine drop. Do not forget the ground strap/s too. Double check for other line (electrical or fuel) that is still connected to the engine. I remember you have some special electrical device that you incorporated in your engine.

Tony

Thanks Tony.

I did had a WUR with some electronic control and tuneability, but I already removed it, and I'm going the ITB path.

You leave all that stuff alone because they all come down with the engine after you remove the 14 pin connector.

Not on my car...

Do you have a Frankenstein Porsche ?

Maybe...

On the other hand it's a very early G, so maybe it's different

OK

The 3-pin plug on the CDI is held by something, or is it just a matter of pulling ?
The wires going to the alt - guess I'll have to remove it to disconnect them ?

You pull down on the 3 pin connector, and that comes down with the engine.
You leave the wires going into the alternator alone. They come down with the engine
You disconnect the 14 pin connector. (left side of engine bay, if I remember correctly) that also comes down with the engine.

Post a picture of what you are writing about so we can stop guessing :-)

Ok, pics will follow

typically the engine wiring harness will be dropped with the engine, remaining connected to the alternator, wur, aar, etc., but disconnected from the 14 pin connector, the CDI, etc. The wires coming from the right side of the firewall go to the starter and to the back-up light switch, located at the front of the tranny housing. I always drop the engine and tranny together (it's easier) so all of that drops with the engine/tranny drop....

Ok, now I get it !

as it will be an engine-only drop, I'll have to unplug those.

much easier to drop the engine/tranny as an assembly...in my opinion. I've done it many times.

regards,
al