[urq] Engine/trans removal/installation - '83 coupe

Tue Jun 22 06:58:38 EDT 2004

Ben,

BTDT many times... drop it down as an entire assembly.
I usually did it with a 2 Ton jack and some stands... that's all... and yes
a one man show.

Remove subframe first... then the engine... do not attempt to remove
subframe and engine at same time... way too many components not tied
together.

Here is some pics from my Coupe turbo swap.
http://www.quattro.ca/1982Coupe/1982Coupe.htm

HTH
Martin

-----Original Message-----
From: urq-bounces at audifans.com [mailto:urq-bounces at audifans.com]On
Behalf Of Ben Swann
Sent: June 22, 2004 3:15 AM
To: quattro at audifans.com
Cc: urq at audifans.com; Ben Swann
Subject: [urq] Engine/trans removal/installation - '83 coupe

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
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