Discussion Forum - Northstar Chevelle Club

jim larson · 2K+ Club

Removing engine with trans with aluminum intake?

Lost in the 60s · President

I know a lot of people use intake plates for engine r&r, but I would never recommend both engine and trans with that method. I always use 2 chains, 1 on the front of the heads and the other on the back and a load levelor, as seen below. With that, you can send all the weight to the trans for the steep incline you will need to get them out of the bay and once out, level it to flat to set down. I have an old yoke I put in the trans and zip tie to prevent it from coming out to retain the fluid. Place the yoke horizontal to eliminate it getting caught on the body.

jim larson · 2K+ Club

Thanks Mitch, I can’t rember for sure what I did when I pulled my BB. I think I had two brackets for pulling a BB installed on block or intake and a load leveler. That was with the Muncie.

With the TH350 how much ceiling height do you think I would need?. I think pulling the clip might be the way to go except I would need a bigger garage, more storage space.

Lost in the 60s · President

Not sure on ceiling height. Stan would be the expert on that. I've never had ceiling limitations...

I wouldn't pull the clip, too much involved and then getting it back with good gaps can be a pain. If you can't pull them together, drop the trans out and pull the engine alone.

dashboard · 2K+ Club

A nine foot ceiling will give you more than enough hight, see below.. Mitch is right, leave the front clip alone; why open pandora's box. But do use a leveler.

buick engine swap 019.JPG buick engine swap 024.JPG .

-- Edited by dashboard on Wednesday 26th of August 2020 06:51:08 PM

jim larson · 2K+ Club

Thanks guys, I think I have about 8' 8". With flat tires I can meet the 9'. I am glad you said do not pull the clip Mitch, I did not want to do that. I would like to clean up the engine bay so I will do that intact. Is it possible to pull springs and remove control arms and brakes, etc with the engine out or does that have to be done before pulling the engine?

Lost in the 60s · President

You can disassemble the front suspension without the engine. I have a piece of 5/8 all-thread that I used on mine at Karl's a few years ago during a Bow Tie Brunch. I believe you were there.
We could have a "tech session" and take yours apart. Oh, that's right, there is that "covid' thing...