Engine/trans removal procedure, Bucksnort preferences

[MHLIGGINS <MHLIGGINS@aol.com>]

     Maybe I'm not smart enough to do it otherwise, but I've always pulled the
engine up through the front end.  After doing several of them I found it is
easiest to pull the head off the car with the exhaust and intake manifolds
still attached.  That makes it easier to take the im and em off later - you
can SEE what you're working on.  Then the lower half of the engine is a breeze
to get out of the car.  You won't even need to remove the hood.
     Then I drop the trans on the floor and push the car back over it.  I'd
rather pull two engines than one trans, though.  (Guess that's why the extra
trans is still in the parts car, huh?)
     The rationale for pulling the head in situ is twofold.  First, as already
mentioned, it makes it easier to get the block out.  Second, since the engine
is going to be out, you would want to pull the head anyway.  It's easier to
pull the head bolts with the block bolted to the trans.  With the head off you
can check valves, pistons, cylinder walls, clean the piston tops and
compression area, etc.  
     BTW, I also find it easier to put the block in first, then put the head
in place with im and em already bolted on.

     Later.
     Marty Liggins
     Imperial Potentate, Bucksnort Quattro Club (Un-Inc.)