Installing a new Motor

T

Tom Smith

Member
Getting ready to put a new motor in. I also have the transmission out from rebuilding it. Question I have is it a good or bad idea to install the motor and transmission together? I have never attempted this, your thoughts.
 
For me, it's always been easier to install engine/trans as a unit. Others may have differing opinions. It is usually necessary to spread the frame slightly where the flywheel motor mount boxes are to allow for a smooth installation.
 
It can be a PITA to align the gearbox input shaft with the clutch if the gearbox is still in the car. It can also be a PITA to align the universal joint if you put them in together. Not much difference, IMO
 
Synchro909 said:
It can be a PITA to align the gearbox input shaft with the clutch if the gearbox is still in the car. It can also be a PITA to align the universal joint if you put them in together. Not much difference, IMO
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During my recent engine installation, using the hole in the bellhousing with a cover plate helped tremendously to align the splines.
 
When installing the engine with the transmission already in the car, it’s critical that the clutch disk be aligned perfectly with the pilot bearing. This is done during installation of the clutch. I have had very little success with the plastic dohickeys sold by the vendors. Rather, I have an old ****** input shaft that I use for this purpose.

I jack up the rear so one wheel is still on the ground, put the ****** in high, and spin the other rear wheel to rotate the car’s ****** input shaft to line up the splines into the disk. From there it’s a straight push.
 
Done it both ways. i like doing it as a unit mainly since i can make sure the clutch is aligned correctly on the bench before it goes in. that being said there isn't a wrong way to do it. the only nerve wracking part is watching the fenders and firewall when it comes out since the transmission makes it dip towards the rear if you don't have a leveler.
 
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without some sort of spreader i have cheated those side bell housing mounts a bit which helps squeeze the side mounts into place.
not always but if it is real tight i grind i tiny bit of of the back edge or the mount bosses on the flywheel housing. not too much and not back as far as the bolt, just taper the very rear edge a bit. it seams to let it get started, then with a lever and a wood block on the front of the engine push it back. seam once it is started it seams to make its way better.
i have not loosened the front body mount bolts but that may help let the frame flex a bit easier. i may try that next time.
i like doing it as a unit. it is a lot of in and out from under the car.
i have done it with the ****** in the car.
for me takes about the same length of time
 
Having done it both ways I like the one unit method best. Experience has taught me be sure the trans is in neutral and the drive shaft is jacked up a bit. Two gasket scrapers help with the tight motor mount problem.
 
I have also done it both ways, and my answer is a little different depending on whether I'm alone or have a helper.

When I have help, I greatly prefer installing them as one unit. If I'm doing the work by myself, I kinda prefer doing them separately.
 
Hello I usually remove engine and transmission at the same time, sometimes the rear engine mounts are tight, think it is easier to work on transmission on work bench . Just make sure everything is disconnected, don’t be like me and forget the speedometer cable !
 
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