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

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.

Thanks John, my car is a coupe with a fixed cross member and the rad support is still in.

 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

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

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.

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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"

Does this opinion carry to Automatics?

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Lifetime Member #73

The Money Pit.... and my niece

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It do for me...I just think it's better, and easier that way. Just my opinion...

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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

My 2 cents..........There is no "right" way to do it,

[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.


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LIFETIME MEMBER #97
THE DYNAMIC DUO

Well I think the best approach is to just do it slowly. Thanks for the advise and I will let you guys know what happens. I have a 12 ft ceiling in my shop but not much side room so may have to rig a chain hoist and position

I installed my engine (350 SB) with the 4 spd T-10 bolted up to it, no water pump, fuel pump, exhaust manifolds or radiator installed.  I also used an engine tilter to help slide everything in at a angle, and had a friend of mine help jockey the engine in while I was underneath guiding the tranny over the crossmember. Even though my crossmember is a bolt-in unit, I found it easier to leave it in versus jacking up the tranny and then trying to get it bolted back up.

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GEN III 5.7L "LS6" Engine swap
TKO500 5 spd.