Engine/trans removal/installation - '83 coupe

[Ben Swann]

I am well underway in the process of removing the engine from an '83 GT coupe in near pristine condition, in order to install an MC turbo engine.  I know that many have recommended cutting the core support, bumper removal, etc. but I am trying to avoid cutting anything unless necessary.  I believe I have an intercooler setup that will not require any vehicle mods whatsoever, but will only know once the engine is in exactly how that will go.  

Now I am trying to determine if to pull the engine from the top, or if I might be better from the bottom.

As this is a one man show in my garage, I need to take into account that I may not be able to move the complete engine/drivetrain all together anyway, but may not be as difficult as it appears - looking for BTDT/past experiences.  I have cherry picker, 2 large jacks and several small jacks, many stands and a few dollies.

Since I need to remove the struts (getting Bilstiens) and need to remove the Transmission for Quafe LSD installation,  Brake calipers are getting replaced, and exhaust will be completely replaced, this probably leads ot the answer, but I'm still not sure which approach to take.

Approach # 1: Break trans. free and drop subframe partly if necessary enough to remove trans and roll the trans out separately for Quafe installation.  Then remove engine out the top with cherry picker as dictated in Bently.  As i have some leftover core support from parts cars for the top piece, that may be cut and nice bolt bracket made, but I'm sure the lift can get high enough to clear this once tranny is out of the way, so may not even be necessary.

Approach # 2: Drop everything out the bottom by lowering on subframe - engine and trans. subframe, etc. all removed as a unit to be separated away from the car.  I did this years ago with VW R/J/S and was able to lift the front of the car (scirocco, etc. up high enough that I could roll it all out under the front.  Clearance was an issue then, but I somehow did that by getting the car way high - pretty scary!  I think having the rear wheels on ramps might help - I didn't do this then.

So which way to go?  I probably will not have the trans. back with Quaife prior to having to install the engine and fit up everthing back, including the intercooler setup, so I may need to use approach # 1 anyway, at least to get the tranny back in place - I'm not looking forward to this, and would have preferred to have trans. there when installing engine.  However, with trans out, the engine will have gone back in place without the usual jamming - I'll just have the jam and ram and clunk into place when I do the trans.  Probably will need to lower rear of subframe at that point anyway to get trans to mate OK.

So looking for feedback - will I need to get the coupe outrageaously/dangerously high to get the engine out underneath?  Will I be able to roll the sucker out using wheels and tires and a good dolly?  I'm about 140lbs, and pretty strong for my weight, but don't need to throw my back out.  I don't really have a place to put come along to pull it, but may be able to rig something - read limited space and the car won't be moveable.

So far, exhaust is removed, and CV joints separated, but not yet removed - axle haft bolts loosened, but tight enough to roll engine/trans/subframe without damaging bearings. Bell housing bolts out or loose.  Battery tray has been removed pending wastegate interference issue, and battery to be removed to trunk ( forthecoming question).  Of course all the other stuff, connectors, lines, cables, FI system, is disconnected and out of the way.  AC and Alt. with brackets also removed from engine too, but going back in, may want thes in place already - plan to swap sides and use 5kt setup.

As it is, I'm ready to drop and roll or separate and lift, but just looking for BTDT feedback after morning coffee and then I proceed.  Remember, this is a coupe and not a quattro, so the layout is a bit different, but there is surely some relevance overall from the perspective of those who have done this in UrQ or 4kQ.

Gotta have this done pretty quick, because the car is being shipped to Germany in a few weeks.  Wish I had a better digital camara, and more time to take pics with greasy fingers.  As always TIA. 

Ben