Changing Engine in my 1956 vett with a Power Glide

[Mark S.]

I am putting the correct 265 210HP engine in my car and I am using the torque converter and power glide transmission that is in the car now. I will, however, put in a new front seal. My question is: is it better to leave the P.G. in the car and pull just the engine, or pull the transmission and engine at the same time?
I will be doing this in my garage at home using a cherry picker and jackstands.
Any words of wisdom will be appreciated.
My phone number is 305-753-8592.
Thanks,
Mark

[Brad H.]

Re: Changing Engine in my 1956 vett with a Power Glide

Did my 58 by just pulling engine only but has the T-10 and it worked just fine, just one less thing to mess with as far as more large stuff to wrestle, have a helper, easier to control the in and out process. Thanks Brad.

[Steven B.]

Re: Changing Engine in my 1956 vett with a Power Glide

Mark, there were a number of posts on this subject months ago that may be helpful. I have done it both ways on my '57 with a manual transmission. I prefer to remove and install them as a unit as it is easier to unbolt and bolt engine to trans out of the car and faster. Lying on your back doing it is no fun. No matter which way you do it have a helper.

Steve

[Bruce B.]

Re: Changing Engine in my 1956 vett with a Power Glide

Mark,
Trying to remove a engine with a 3 or 4 speed trans versus a early cast iron Powerglide is like night and day. The 3 or 4 speed job is easy, the PG is very heavy.
In my 57 I innitially tried to do it with the PG attached. Almost impossible due to the weight of the PG. I used a engine hoist with a tilting mechanism and I still could not control the tilt of the assembly.
My advice is to first remove the PG if you have a good transmission jack. You need a good trans jack so you can tilt the PG to get the clearence to remove it. Also the rear of the engine MUST be supported before the PG is removed, see attached picture. Also make sure the torque convertor staus on the transmission input shaft. I bolt a wrench to the trans as shown in the picture.
If no jack is available, loosen the torque convertor bolts at the flywheel then remove the trans bolts. Be sure the transmission is well supported and then pull the engine.
Be careful.

[Roy B.]

Re: Changing Engine in my 1956 vett with a Power Glide

Undo PG then lower car put a jack under PG and take engine out , you'll be happy you did it that way. By the way if the hood fit was good mark the hinges at the hood, a little white paint, you'll be happy you did.

[Mark S.]

Re: Changing Engine in my 1956 vett with a Power Glide

Thanks for all the input. All the ideas help Mark

[Edward M.]

Re: Changing Engine in my 1956 vett with a Power Glide

Just went through this on my 56.

I originally put the engine and cast iron powerglide in as a unit. I ran a separate chain from one of the PG tail housing bolts to the engine hoist hook to keep the assembly from tilting down too much. Went in with no problem. Be sure to remove the tranny cross member and don't put an input yoke in the tranny (yes, it is that tight).

When I removed them, I disconnected the PG from the engine, held the PG up with a floor jack, and pulled the engine. I then removed the PG, which was still a pain because of the weight.

I just reinstalled the engine with a TH350 trans as an assembly. Again, tranny crossmember out and no input yoke in the tranny. Went very easily, and did not need to chain up the rear end of the tranny this time.

I am very interested in your single four 1956 car. I just finished an article for The Restorer about single four 1956 cars. Would like to chat with you about your car.

[Mark S.]

Re: Changing Engine in my 1956 vett with a Power Glide

Edward I would like to talk to you also. I am a newby with my 56, as well as chatting on line. I would prefer to talk to you and would be glad to call you if I had your number - or as you saw my phone number is 305-753-8592. If are you going to Kissimmee the end of this month we could get together there.
Thanks
Mark

[Edward M.]

Re: Changing Engine in my 1956 vett with a Power Glide

Edward I would like to talk to you also. I am a newby with my 56, as well as chatting on line. I would prefer to talk to you and would be glad to call you if I had your number - or as you saw my phone number is 305-753-8592. If are you going to Kissimmee the end of this month we could get together there.
Thanks
Mark

Mark;

I will definitely be in Kissimmee. Coming in from Alabama, staying at the SeraLago Hotel.

I have you number; I will give you a call (perhaps this week if work settles down).

I am driving in Monday (1/18), and leaving Saturday (1/23).

Ed McComas
ed.mccomas@willbrook.com
256-468-8840 (cell)

[Jim T.]

Re: Changing Engine in my 1956 vett with a Power Glide

I don't know all the differences between our two cars, anyway when I removed my 70's engine and reinstalled it I did not remove the radiator, the hood, or my turbo 400 automatic.
Engine lifted straight up, air conditioner compressor was removed from engine but not disconnected from other connections.
Supported transmission by a 2X10 short board on one of my floor jacks.
Really a pretty easy engine removal and installation.