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Topic: How to remove a C3 Engine?

in Forum: C3 Engines


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How to remove a C3 Engine? (1/25)
 3/3/10 8:29am
Crimson Ghost
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Vette(s):
1968 convertible


Joined: 3/3/2010
Posts: 94

Hello, I am new here – just googled and found you all.

 

Last week I purchased my first corvette, a 1968 convertible in need of a little attention.  The car is beautiful and of course came with it’s fair share of issues – all of which I have addressed except the convertible top linkage and the engine. 

 

This is not a numbers matching car and it has a 350.  I want to remove this engine and replace it with a period correct engine.  I am a DIY guy, but I have never pulled an engine before.  Does anyone have a step-by-step type of post here for removing an engine on a C3 ?   

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How to remove a C3 Engine? (2/25)
 3/3/10 11:33am
VetteSpecialties
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Mounds View, MN - USA

Vette(s):
70 LT1 coupe, 69 350 HP coupe, 69 390HP 427 coupe, 71 LS5 convert, 85 coupe, 93 coupe


Joined: 5/24/2007
Posts: 1031

There are probably several websites with correct details, but I will give you my version.
Disconnect battery.  Then disconnect all electrical:  Ignition wire, starter wires, alternator, A/C if so equipped, temp sender.
Disconnect oil pressure gauge tube.
Disconnect throttle linkage.
Disconnect fuel line from frame to fuel pump, and return line if so equipped.
Drain coolant and remove hoses, both radiator and heater.
If air conditioned, unbolt compressor and tie up out of the way.
If auto trans, disconnect kick down linkage, and unclip coolant lines from side of oil pan.
Remove flywheel cover from bottom of bellhousing.  If auto, unbolt torque converter from flywheel.
Unbolt six bolts from bell housing to block. 
Unbolt motor mounts.
Support transmission.
Lift engine a little ways and look for whatever I forgot to mention.

Good luck and have fun
Larry
How to remove a C3 Engine? (3/25)
 3/3/10 12:06pm
aceintheholeLifetime Member
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Manteca, CA - USA

Vette(s):
1978,two tone,Metalic Rootbeer & gold 1975 L48 4 speed


Joined: 11/20/2005
Posts: 3623

We have the archives under the forums column but I've never noticed a post of that nature (but then I've never looked). The procedure would be the same as with most V8 cars but with the length of the nose, the lift would have to approach from the side because most lifts can't reach that far and due to space restraints I'd leave the tranny in the car. It's pretty straight forward. Disconnect any wiring, fuel line, exhaust, throttle linkage and trans. cable if auto trans., A/C compressor? and secure aside. Unbolt the tranny from the bellhousing or from the back of the motor if Auto trans and remove the inspection plate to unbolt the flex plate. Drain coolant and remove hoses. Remove oil lines from radiator and remove fan and clutch ass'y. to pull radiator. It's more obvious when you're standing over it eliminating obstacles one by one, and I'm sorry for being so brief. A service manual might be more specific, but unless it's a authorized GM I don't get much out of them. Something like a "Haynes" is almost totally useless, too vague, lacking important details. Sorry it's not much, but I hope this helps a little.  

______________

Jimmy B.
Just can't wait to get on the road again.

 
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How to remove a C3 Engine? (4/25)
 3/3/10 12:14pm
aceintheholeLifetime Member
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Manteca, CA - USA

Vette(s):
1978,two tone,Metalic Rootbeer & gold 1975 L48 4 speed


Joined: 11/20/2005
Posts: 3623

Excellent Larry. Your rendition is more detailed and year specific. I was writing at the same time. I'm glad you beat me to the draw.

______________

Jimmy B.
Just can't wait to get on the road again.

 
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How to remove a C3 Engine? (5/25)
 3/3/10 12:53pm
cthulhuLifetime Member
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Hot Springs, AR - USA

Vette(s):
69 Conv #'s match 427, TKO-600/.64, 3.36HD-Posi, HT, T/T, PS, PB, PW, SP, Leather, Comp XE264HR & Roller Rockers & Lifters, Air-Gap RPM intake, Holley St Av 770 VS, MSD 6AL+Dist+Blaster SS, K&N, Jet-Hot Hooker Side-Pipes, Steeroids, Al Rad, Spal Fans


Joined: 4/24/2004
Posts: 3231

[QUOTE=VetteSpecialties]There are probably several websites with correct details, but I will give you my version.
Disconnect battery.  Then disconnect all electrical:  Ignition wire, starter wires, alternator, A/C if so equipped, temp sender.
Disconnect oil pressure gauge tube.
Disconnect throttle linkage.
Disconnect fuel line from frame to fuel pump, and return line if so equipped.
Drain coolant and remove hoses, both radiator and heater.
If air conditioned, unbolt compressor and tie up out of the way.
If auto trans, disconnect kick down linkage, and unclip coolant lines from side of oil pan.
Remove flywheel cover from bottom of bellhousing.  If auto, unbolt torque converter from flywheel.
Unbolt six bolts from bell housing to block. 
Unbolt motor mounts.
Support transmission.
Lift engine a little ways and look for whatever I forgot to mention.

Good luck and have fun
Larry
[/QUOTE]
 
I always pull the radiator, shroud and support.


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How to remove a C3 Engine? (6/25)
 3/3/10 1:35pm
anips
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sonoma, CA - USA

Vette(s):
72 LT-1 AC coupe,69 l-36 coupe


Joined: 8/9/2002
Posts: 784

pull hood....I would pull the 4 top rad support bolts, lossen the 2 bottoms leave in and roll the support forward, depending how long the car sits the front fenders might start to sag....disc. tack drive pull the dist....discon head pipes pull manifolds...pull fan and pullies...pull carb, pull clutch link and z-bar... disc. PS pump and lay it to the side....disc ground straps...some guys get the car on jacks and pull the front  wheels and tires...good luck!

 

anips2010-03-03 10:41:57
How to remove a C3 Engine? (7/25)
 3/3/10 1:35pm
rraider1
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Woodland, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1977 T-Top,350,Auto Black Ruby Pearl,Steeroids R&P conversion


Joined: 10/14/2003
Posts: 1165

If you are using a cherry picker type lift you will need to remove one of the front wheels and place car on ja ack stand. you come from the side at an angle with the lift.
How to remove a C3 Engine? (8/25)
 3/3/10 2:28pm
Crimson Ghost
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1968 convertible


Joined: 3/3/2010
Posts: 94

 Excellent !  thank you all.

 

I have a friend with an engine crane that I am going to borrow – might be a couple of weeks before I get going.  I will take pictures and notes as I go and pending availability (time is short these days) I will post my own how-to for the benefit of others down the road.

 

Thank you all for the information !   

How to remove a C3 Engine? (9/25)
 3/3/10 3:24pm
dskopp
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Oak Creek, WI - USA

Vette(s):
1981 Great White Shark. Red Interior, 350/190hp. PS, PB (SS), A/C CC, T-Tops, Going to remain as Stock as possible. Served three years in Active Duty Army, then Retired Air Force after 34 years! Badger State Vetts Car Club. 175,000 Original miles!!


Joined: 5/21/2008
Posts: 1958

Keep us posted !!  Ghost Guy !!  Love to see the pictures of the progress!! Welcome to the site !
Dan


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How to remove a C3 Engine? (10/25)
 3/3/10 8:13pm
jp75vette
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Bloomfield Hills, MI - USA

Vette(s):
1975 Corvette coupe, 4 speed manual, 383 ci 9.5:1,Edelbrock dual plane Air Gap intake, Alum Heads,Comp Cam, roller Rockers, PS,PB,Tilt


Joined: 6/29/2008
Posts: 199

In the near future I may be able to use your photos, I'm thinking of replacing the engine. May be a crate engine.
How to remove a C3 Engine? (11/25)
 3/3/10 8:28pm
Okie DudeLifetime Member
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Eastern Oklahoma County, OK - USA

Vette(s):
1980 Black L48 T-Tops


Joined: 1/3/2006
Posts: 1560

I went with a crate and so far it's great.  I'm still having a fuel starvation problem around 80mph with a foot in it, but other than that it is so much better than the one I had built.  Won't make that same mistake with that same engine builder again.  If any of you are in Oklahoma, talk to me before you select an engine builder.

Good luck ghost-man!
How to remove a C3 Engine? (12/25)
 3/4/10 8:41pm
jp75vette
Former Member

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Bloomfield Hills, MI - USA

Vette(s):
1975 Corvette coupe, 4 speed manual, 383 ci 9.5:1,Edelbrock dual plane Air Gap intake, Alum Heads,Comp Cam, roller Rockers, PS,PB,Tilt


Joined: 6/29/2008
Posts: 199

Which crate engine did you get and where did you get it?
How to remove a C3 Engine? (13/25)
 3/4/10 9:08pm
cthulhuLifetime Member
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Hot Springs, AR - USA

Vette(s):
69 Conv #'s match 427, TKO-600/.64, 3.36HD-Posi, HT, T/T, PS, PB, PW, SP, Leather, Comp XE264HR & Roller Rockers & Lifters, Air-Gap RPM intake, Holley St Av 770 VS, MSD 6AL+Dist+Blaster SS, K&N, Jet-Hot Hooker Side-Pipes, Steeroids, Al Rad, Spal Fans


Joined: 4/24/2004
Posts: 3231

if I was buying a crate...  this would be it
 
 
 


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How to remove a C3 Engine? (14/25)
 3/4/10 9:53pm
lukesvetteLifetime Member
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HOWELL, NJ - USA

Vette(s):
1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.


Joined: 5/18/2004
Posts: 6812

Just a tip - on our long nosed cars, it's easiest to go in with the crane diagonally from the side under a wheel (obviously removed in advance   )


LukesVette2010-03-04 18:55:58
How to remove a C3 Engine? (15/25)
 3/23/10 6:59am
Crimson Ghost
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Vette(s):
1968 convertible


Joined: 3/3/2010
Posts: 94

Hey guys.  Ok, first off…everything you all wrote here was spot on !

 

I have never worked on a car before, so its all new to me.  I took pictures as I went, but admittedly not as many as I would have liked – once I got working I had to remind myself to take a photo and by that time 5 steps took place !

 

Long story short – the engine is out and on a stand.  I also pulled the transmission since its leaking, so I thought it would be a good opportunity to replace the seals.  It took me and my brother 6 hours to get it all done, but I was also being rather meticulous with cataloging the nuts and bolts I was removing.  Plus once I got the block out the power steering pump toppled over and left me a decent mess to clean up on the floor. 

 

Bumps and bruises, beer and scotch and 6 hours….not bad :-)

 

Now on to the rebuild.  I am picked up a set of Vortek heads and a Comp Cam (thumper) – the cam has a max lift of .479 and the heads .475 so I dropped the heads off at a machine shop yesterday along with the fly wheel to be cut.  I found that I need to replace the clutch as well. Installing an RPM airgap intake and reusing the edelbrock 650 carb.  Between the machine work, Easter and the Masters I think its going to be a few more weeks yet – but I’ll keep ya’s posted.

 

Anyone have experience with replacing the steering column ?  my 68 has a 69 column in it and I actually found (after a long search) a 68 specific column – but I am not sure what’s involved with the install?  I can see a couple bolts at the rag joint (which I plan to rebuild) two bolts at the fire wall and after that I am at a loss….is this a job I can tackle ?

How to remove a C3 Engine? (16/25)
 3/23/10 10:36am
cthulhuLifetime Member
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Hot Springs, AR - USA

Vette(s):
69 Conv #'s match 427, TKO-600/.64, 3.36HD-Posi, HT, T/T, PS, PB, PW, SP, Leather, Comp XE264HR & Roller Rockers & Lifters, Air-Gap RPM intake, Holley St Av 770 VS, MSD 6AL+Dist+Blaster SS, K&N, Jet-Hot Hooker Side-Pipes, Steeroids, Al Rad, Spal Fans


Joined: 4/24/2004
Posts: 3231

http://www.gmtiltsteeringcolumn.com/
this guy rebuit 2 of mine.
 
grade A work at a decent price
 


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How to remove a C3 Engine? (17/25)
 3/23/10 10:40am
rraider1
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Woodland, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1977 T-Top,350,Auto Black Ruby Pearl,Steeroids R&P conversion


Joined: 10/14/2003
Posts: 1165

this is from a 76 hope it helps
 
How to remove a C3 Engine? (18/25)
 3/23/10 11:34am
anips
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sonoma, CA - USA

Vette(s):
72 LT-1 AC coupe,69 l-36 coupe


Joined: 8/9/2002
Posts: 784

don't think an air gap will fit under the hood. anips2010-03-23 08:35:08
How to remove a C3 Engine? (19/25)
 3/23/10 12:12pm
Crimson Ghost
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Vette(s):
1968 convertible


Joined: 3/3/2010
Posts: 94

Cthulha – thank you for the link, I am going to call that gentleman and see what he has to say.  I am not certain if this column needs to be rebuilt or not, it seems to be in tact and functioning.  Rraider1 – this is actually very helpful, that looks nearly identical to mine and certainly gives me an idea of what to expect.  I figured the benefit is removing the old and then reverse engineering the new – its just venturing into the unknown that worries me….so thank you.

 

Anips – this was my concern as well,  prior to starting the project I removed my carb and measured my current intake.  The air gap will actually be lower than the current, plus the old one had a 1 inch adapter under the carb which I will not be requiring.  There is always the chance that I screwed up the measurement – in which case I will purchase the 427 hood which I really love.

How to remove a C3 Engine? (20/25)
 3/23/10 2:01pm
anips
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sonoma, CA - USA

Vette(s):
72 LT-1 AC coupe,69 l-36 coupe


Joined: 8/9/2002
Posts: 784

I'am looking at my 08 Edel. cat and it says it won't fit under stock corvette hood, it doesn't state what year hoods, Edel. teck line...800-416-2222, be prepared to wait a while, that way you can order you hood, I like the l-88 hood and the cold air setup will work with eithier with BB and SB, $$$$.
How to remove a C3 Engine? (21/25)
 3/23/10 5:14pm
cthulhuLifetime Member
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Hot Springs, AR - USA

Vette(s):
69 Conv #'s match 427, TKO-600/.64, 3.36HD-Posi, HT, T/T, PS, PB, PW, SP, Leather, Comp XE264HR & Roller Rockers & Lifters, Air-Gap RPM intake, Holley St Av 770 VS, MSD 6AL+Dist+Blaster SS, K&N, Jet-Hot Hooker Side-Pipes, Steeroids, Al Rad, Spal Fans


Joined: 4/24/2004
Posts: 3231

[QUOTE=Crimson Ghost]

Cthulha – thank you for the link, I am going to call that gentleman and see what he has to say.  I am not certain if this column needs to be rebuilt or not, it seems to be in tact and functioning.  Rraider1 – this is actually very helpful, that looks nearly identical to mine and certainly gives me an idea of what to expect.  I figured the benefit is removing the old and then reverse engineering the new – its just venturing into the unknown that worries me….so thank you.

 

[/QUOTE]
 
mine seemed fully functional...
 
but I did a little disassembly to inspect the bearings and it looked like trash...  it was rigged up and full of rust.
 


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How to remove a C3 Engine? (22/25)
 3/23/10 6:34pm
Crimson Ghost
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Vette(s):
1968 convertible


Joined: 3/3/2010
Posts: 94

I put the original intake next to the airgap with a level and took a picture.  the Airgap is just over a half inch higher. 
I am not sure how to attach pictures - but I'll try. 
 
It's basically about 3/4 inch higher.  the original set up had the carb on a one ich riser that I have now removed - I think the math should work with the stock hood.  I am not a fan of the small block hood, but replacing it really isn't in the budget after this rebuild.  Perhaps next year  we'll see.
 
as for the "unknown" Cthulha pointed out - your right, and I will probably wait until I can afford the rebuild.  I called Wayne and he started to rattle off all kinds of crazy numbers - I think if all went well I would get it rebuilt for $300, but it could go higher.....ugh !
 
 
How to remove a C3 Engine? (23/25)
 3/23/10 6:40pm
Crimson Ghost
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Vette(s):
1968 convertible


Joined: 3/3/2010
Posts: 94

ok, so I can't post a picture  :-(   I also can't seem to figure out how to edit my last post and delete that obnoxiously large error box - sorry.
 
 
 
clearly I am not so good at this....but I tried !
 
 
 
How to remove a C3 Engine? (24/25)
 3/23/10 8:12pm
anips
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sonoma, CA - USA

Vette(s):
72 LT-1 AC coupe,69 l-36 coupe


Joined: 8/9/2002
Posts: 784

the pics came through, looks real close, you'll find out soon enough, when you have the air cleaner bolted  on make a ball about 1" in dia. of "silly putty"and place it on the top of the high point of the air cleaner gently close the hood, open the hood and measure the thickness of the putty,1/2-3/4" will work 
How to remove a C3 Engine? (25/25)
 3/24/10 5:40am
Crimson Ghost
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Vette(s):
1968 convertible


Joined: 3/3/2010
Posts: 94

Thank you, that's a good idea !
 
according to my calculations I should effectively lower my cleaner by a quarter inch when its all done.  the original set up included a one inch riser under the edelbrock carb that I will not be replacing - so the net differenence should be a negative quarter inch.
 
I am more or less at a two week stand still as I get the vortek's machined and the tranny work done.  I need to clean the engine compartment and paint the block - but after that nothing since I am not installign the steering column as planned.....ugh, down time !  lol
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