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m
Ok , my car is back from the body shop and its time to install 454 and 4spd, Do I install together or separately? I have heard both versions and
quite frankly am overwhelmed. Also do I need to put in the A/C condenser & radiator first? I've been told to leave the water pump and fuel pump off till after install. How about the exhaust manifolds. Any new
advise or best way appreciated. Thanks
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j
My car is a small block, so not sure what would be differnt on a big block. I put the engine and transmission in together. I had the radiator and teh radiator support out, so there was plenty of room to maneuver. I did it in my garage with a 9 foot ceiling. Just make sure you have teh balancing bar to go with the lift. I had everything on the engine except the distributer cover, and fan. There might not be as much room for the big block - not sure on that, but I'll bet othere will chime in.
I should mention that I have a 4 speed tans, but I have a removable transmission crossmember (I think my frame is an auto car donation, but I can't see the vin number on it to verify).
If you have headers, it helps to have them sitting in the car and drop the engine in around them (I have Hooker side pipes).
Something I also learned (actually, had explained to me here) is that if you leave the radiator support out of the car too long, the front end will sag. I had mine out for several months and this happend to me. I got it back in, but there was much swearing and prying involved.
Overall, it wasn't that bad of a job. My dad and I did it in roughly 4 days.
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m
Thanks John, my car is a coupe with a fixed cross member and the rad support is still in.
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r
The best way to install the engine and tranny ,is for them to be together, if your body is on the car and the radiator is still intact, remove the drivers side tire,, and with and engine hoist approach the job from the side,rather than the front,you will need a hoist that has the adjusting bar that goes laterally as well as up and down,,it helps to have the jack stands about 2 notches higher in the front than the back,,it also helps to have about a case of bud lite on hand,,good luck,rd
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I think I'm one of the few people that prefers to install the motor without the trans installed, especially if it's a manual. I also leave off everything that can be easily installed after the motor is in the compartment. I hate fighting with it. Saves dingin' up the paint on all the components and frame. Mike
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
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Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
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#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
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I'm wid Mike on this. I prefer to install the engine by itself. It's just so much easier, and SAFER that way. I've done them with the radiator still in the car, and the accessories(except the fan) bolted on.
Just be careful, and take your time with it. Watch for stray wires that might get caught up somewhere.
Just be careful, and take your time with it. Watch for stray wires that might get caught up somewhere.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
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Does this opinion carry to Automatics?
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The Money Pit.... and my niece 
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 22720
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
It do for me...I just think it's better, and easier that way. Just my opinion...
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
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T
My 2 cents..........There is no "right" way to do it,
I put the car on jack stands, & I installed the engine with the trans attached. Exhaust manifolds on also.
My engine compartent was empty at the time. It went pretty smooth.
small block - 4 speed
Good luck,
Anthony
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e
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Send PMLanoka Harbor, NJ - USA
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Vette(s): 1975 metallic blue coupe with t-tops,L48, t/t steering, black leather interior. 1990 L98, white/red leather interior, auto,a/c
[QUOTE=Adams' Apple]It do for me...I just think it's better, and easier that way. Just my opinion...[/QUOTE]
surprised at you joel. i figured you'd tell him to have someone else doing it would be the easiest way.
[/QUOTE]surprised at you joel. i figured you'd tell him to have someone else doing it would be the easiest way.
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in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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