LS5 engine install

[tom444634]

I'm planning on putting the engine back in my 71 LS5 this weekend. When I took it out, I left the 4 speed in the car. Is it easier to remove the trans and install it on the engine before putting it back in?

If I leave the trans in, are there any tricks to make installation easier?

Thanks,

Tom

[Michael H.]

Re: LS5 engine install

Tom,

There will be a few different opinions on the best method but if you decide to leave the transmission in the car, I highly recommend attaching the clutch housing to it, rather than the back of the engine. There are two reasons for this. One, it's MUCH easier to index and install the engine/clutch to the clutch hsng than it is to try to fight with aligning/installing the transmission into the engine/housing. Two, once the throw out bearing is positioned correctly on the release lever, it can't come off accidently, which is a very common problem during transmission installation with the clutch hsng attached to the engine. It will be locked into position, unable to slip off the release lever.

On the other hand, this may be a very good time to have a quick look into the internals of the transmission. It's a lot easier now than it would be later when the engine is in place.

[tom444634]

Re: LS5 engine install

Thanks for the input. When I removed the engine I left the bell housing mounted to the trans so that is still in the car. I was reluctant to pull the trans since I just rebuilt it and replaced the clutch in the spring. Wasn't expecting to have to pull the engine a month later otherwise I'd have done it all at one time.

It's a long weekend and I hope to be crankin' it up on Monday!

Tom