Install engine from top or bottom?
#1255281
06/21/12 09:35 PM
06/21/12 09:35 PM
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,212 Canton, Ohio
Crazy68Dart
OP
pro stock
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OP
pro stock
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,212
Canton, Ohio
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What do you guys have to say? Done them from the top, never from the bottom. I can see from how the bottom would make for a more "elegant" job, but it is worth the hassle building a dolly, dealing with the suspension, etc? During mock up I did it all myself with transmission attached. Block was bare with heads and intake to test header fit. But now the car is painted. 383/mopar performance covers/TTI headers/4-speed/alterktion front end. Otherwise, I will need to install the engine and the trans separate if going in from the top. I might be able to install them together, but would likely need to remove the acessories off the engine (might be a good idea anyway... I know..) Any tips for a bottom install? Thanks.
383, Hemi 4-Speed, AlterKtion, D60
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Re: Install engine from top or bottom?
[Re: Crazy68Dart]
#1255282
06/21/12 09:53 PM
06/21/12 09:53 PM
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 8,087 Elk Grove, Calif.
bigblock340power
master
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master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 8,087
Elk Grove, Calif.
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Up untill my compleat "car" rebuild, I've never put one in from the bottom. Got damn good at doing it from the top, by myself, in a short time. But after putting it in from the bottom, I must say, it was a lot easier. Would I do it if I hadn't done the whole car over, I doubt it. But it was easier. Good luck,
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Re: Install engine from top or bottom?
[Re: 1BAD68]
#1255285
06/22/12 01:08 AM
06/22/12 01:08 AM
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,168 Vancouver, WA
MoparMarq
super stock
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super stock
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,168
Vancouver, WA
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Quote:
Ive heard that its easier from the bottom but then you need an alignment, and what about the brakes they would need to be bled.
Done one (just one) each way. Never from the top again. Much easier and much more controlled from the bottom - even single-handed. As far as suspension is concerned; yes, an alignment is probably recommended. Brake bleeding is optional - I removed my calipers from spindles, but left them attached to brake hoses and hanging from coat hangers in wheel well. So, no, brake bleeding is not required.
Also, hood can stay on, if you've already got your fenders, doors, and hood aligned. Front bumper is optional, depending on what method you use to lift the front end. Been discussed here many times...
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Re: Install engine from top or bottom?
[Re: cruzin]
#1255290
06/23/12 07:17 AM
06/23/12 07:17 AM
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,212 Canton, Ohio
Crazy68Dart
OP
pro stock
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OP
pro stock
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,212
Canton, Ohio
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The suspension is all together but the front end has never been aligned.
Biggest pain would be that I ran the pass side front brake line across the front of the k-member instead of across the firewall.
Front bumper is off. Do I need to make custom brackets to lift from, what do you use as a lift point? I would just use the cherry picker to lift the front of the car.
For some reason it seems like it might be a challenge to get the 4 k-frame bolts to line up and I worry about that. Dropping the car over the engine/trans seems like if there is a few degrees of misalignment will cause issues.
Definitely would have the headers, etc. all setup.
383, Hemi 4-Speed, AlterKtion, D60
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Re: Install engine from top or bottom?
[Re: bobs66440]
#1255292
06/23/12 04:00 PM
06/23/12 04:00 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,190 SW MO
closer9
top fuel
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top fuel
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,190
SW MO
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I can't imagine how pulling it out the bottom could be any easier. I've pulled mine a couple times with and without the trans. Never had any help, never had to align it, never had to bleed the brakes, or build a dolly, or find a way to lift my car. Only thing I needed was a friend to help pull the hood, and reinstall. I didn't even consider going from the bottom when the car was completely disassembled... As mentioned though, a load leveler is a cheap necessity. just my
Daily: '19 Frontier 4WD Belle: '67 Belvedere Convertible, 318/727 in Go ManGo! Other: '64 C10, 283/3 on the tree
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