C2 SB Engine pull

[Jim V.]

Looks like it's motor rebuild time. Seems there is at least three alternatives when using a "cherry picker".

1) The shop manual recommends leaving the trans and bellhousing in the car.
2) A national car rag suggested pulling the 4 sp trans first and then the motor.
3) Several forum members suggested pulling the motor with the 4sp attached.

I was hoping to utilize my Kwiklift and avoid the perils of the jack stands, but given the fender height with the car up on the Kwiklift, I suspect my "cherry picker" won't have enough height to get the motor clear of the car(expecially If I pull the engine and trans together).

Anyhow.... please weigh-in with some details on what procedure works best.

Thanks as always...

JimV

[Joel T.]

Re: C2 SB Engine pull

I did mine about this time last year. Pulled the transmission and bell housing first using a heavy nylon strap to keep the back of the engine up off the firewall. Tried using one of those foldable engine hoists; the reach is just too short to lift from the front of a C2, had to lift from the side which was not the most comfortable thing to do. Car was on the ground not up. When we put the engine back, used a larger reach hoist and the same nylon straps. Had the engine up on the hoist stationary and rolled the car in place, worked like a charm. Once the motor was back in and secure, put the car back up on blocks to get the trans back in. Depending upon which hoist you have the reach will be a bigger problem than the lift.

[Jim V.]

Re: C2 SB Engine pull

Thanks Joel. Interesting....some q's...

1) I understand removing the trans prior to engine, but why bellhousing as well?

2) Interested to learn more about the strap setup. (Under pan to side frame?) I am thinking of doing all the underbody stuff first (exhaust, trans...) while the car is up on the Kwiklift and then rolling the car off and over to do the engine lift. So...the strap thing would allow me to temporarily support the rear of the motor while I roll the car off and over.

JimV

[Stephen L.]

Re: C2 SB Engine pull

If your kwiklift gets high enough why not use it to remove the engine and trans together and roll the car out from under the lift? I use a chain hoist with a hook height of about 8ft and remove the entire assy in one piece. Just tilt the engine toward the rear as it comes out and roll the car away. Just place 2 2x8s nailed/screwed together on edge with a 2x8 about 2 ft long nailed/screwed across each end for stability and set that on top of your lift frame. Wrap a chain around this with a hook. Use the lift as your chain hoist.....

I don't believe you can get the trans out without taking off the bell housing. The trans will not slide back far enough to clear the bell housing so you need to remove both parts together but not bolted together.....

[Jim V.]

Re: C2 SB Engine pull

If I had a four poster that would be a great idea. Unfortunately, the Kwiklift is one of those drive-on deals where the car is about 25 inches off the ground. It is not a four post lift.

There seems to be some controversy as to whether or not you can remove the trans without taking down the bellhousing. I remember somebody saying if you tilt the motor back a tad the input shaft will clear the bellhousing.

Thanks....

[Joel T.]

Re: C2 SB Engine pull

Yes, you can actually pull the tranny out without taking the bell housing at the same time. It does take a bit of doing however. For some reason putting it back in place seems a bit easier. My recently rebuilt T10 is leaking so i will be doing this again this weekend!