79 Engine Install

[barnesjtsl]

I pulled my engine out, cleaned it up, replaced the gaskets and seals, checked the bearings and now I'm trying to get this thing back in.

I can't see how it will go back in unless you loosen the transmission supports and jack the tranny up as high as I can. If I don't do this then the tie rod (the book calls it the cross rod) is in the way of the flywheel. If I try and put it in with the tranny jacked up as high as it will go then the back of the valve cover hits the protruded part of the firewall just under the windshield wipers.

Can someone give me some hints on how to get this thing to slide onto the tranny. The cluctch is lined up perfecty with a pilot tool. And everything else looks.

Help!

jb

[So Cal Mark]

you can take the center link out pretty easily. You will need to put a jack under the tranny to lift it up.
On the 2.0L cars I like to put the short block in, then set the head on.

[digitech]

You will gain an extra inch of clearance to the firewall if you remove the cam covers. Also, make sure your car is up HIGH on jackstands and then lower the rear ones a couple of clicks. This helps a lot with getting the engine into the car in the proper position, ready to engine the tranny input shaft - then carefully raise the rear of the car/adjust your load leveler as needed.

I also remove/reinstall the tranny/engine as a unit - I find it much easier.

[TulsaSpider]

Mark, tidbits like putting in the shortblock, then dropping the head on are great! I think that's what I will do!

[barnesjtsl]

Mark,

Can I take the head off without haveing to remove the valve covers?

Thanks for all your great help,

jb

[TulsaSpider]

Yes the head comes off with the cam housings, intake and exhaust all attached.

[barnesjtsl]

Thanks, TulsaSpider!