I'm getting ready to install a 472 hemi engine into my 69 charger. The 440 and old 727 transmission are out. A new tci 727 transmission and tti 2 1/8" headers are going in at the same time as the hemi. The last couple of engine swaps I have done were from the top with the transmission attached. I use a engine leveler attached to the intake manifold bolts. However the hemi has 1/4"-20 bolts and aluminum heads. I'd like to use the bolts on the sides of the head, but the leveler is too small to reach them. Has anyone found a engine leveler big enough to attach to the side of the heads? Or should I try to install the engine separately with a chain and try to line up the engine and transmission in the car? Let me know what has worked for you in the past and please post pictures if you have them.

I have always liked engine first and then trans. That way if I have to fight headers etc. I have the room to work and less mass to fight. Most trans installs from the bottom are are 1hr at most easy deal.

we made our own leveler with two big hooks on both ends. take two length of chain and go from head to head on front and rear then attach leveler. i have always put motor and trans in at one time in my 68 coronet but it is definately a two person deal. I can get picks if you would like.

You can kinda see it here. i always jack the back of the car up higher so not hit the firewall, i will tell you its pretty scary seeing that big motor 5-6 feet off the ground

Hemi is a tight fit going either direction , if it were me , and it will be one day , I'd put the engine in first then put in the trans from underneath , but then again I do my engine installs solo ...

My hoist has a slotted eye to adjust the chain.
Be sure to use the bolts in the back of the head on the drivers side, not the passenger side like I did. There is almost no room to take that bolt out with the engin in.

I was going to say that when you use that psgr side head for a bolt that you usually scratch the firewall. By far the easiest way to do it is install the engine first then the trans from the bottom, easier yet is the K-member/engine/trans deal.

Sheldon

I just did this swap in a '69 Road Runner. I put in the engine first and then the trans and it worked fine. Make sure the bolt on the driver side doesn't stick out too far or you won't clear the firewall. Otherwise it went in much easier than I expected.

The last three engine installs I have done from the bottom, including the Hemi in my Charger. Earlier this spring, I needed to pull out the Hemi to do a tear down and inspection so I pulled the transmission out the bottom and pulled the engine out the top. It was a big hassle. When it was time to put it all back together again, I put it back in from the bottom with the transmission attached. In my opinion, it is by far the best procedure for me. I do all of my work solo as well.

One thing that's a must with a Hemi is that if you are planning to drop the body over the engine/trans/etc, take off the right side valve cover-then re-install it after you get the motor and trans bolted in.


MB

Thanks guys. I have a few questions. When you install engine first, then transmission, do you bolt the motor mounts to the k-frame or do you leave the engine almost in but suspended from the chain? I have arruzza mounts which are solid on the drivers side so I don't think the engine will tilt once its bolted in. My other question is install the headers before or after the transmission is installed?

I would leave the mounts loose until the headers and transmission are in. You will need to put the headers in first. The starter and headers go in together more or less and it's a little bit tricky but can be done. If you still have the motor out I would use a stud in the upper starter hole. I didn't do that but I think it would be a little easier when you install the starter.

Thanks Jack

Oh and don't forget to install the dipstick before the engine goes in. If you don't it's a real hassle.