Thread: Engine removal

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Getting ready to pull the shortblock on 71 Nova with automatic trans. I removed the heads and took them to the machine shop. After getting the bad news on the heads I decided to take the bottom end to the machine shop. I want to make sure that there isn"t any problems. My question is about separating the engine from the trans. I always removed manual trans which was easy. Should I remove the auto trans or is it easy to pull the engine leaving the trans intact? Probably the question should be how hard is it to reinstall the engine to the trans? Everything has been removed from the engine. The trans is unbolted from the engine and the converter is unbolted from the flywheel. All that is left is the motormounts to diconnect.

Have done it both ways................bringing them in and out together seems easier to me.(at least since I've gotten the right lifting equipment) Sounds like at this point your best choice is to take out separately since you've got them all undone, but think about bolting back together and installing as a unit.

Use a floor jack to hold up the transmission, before you pull the motor out!

Use a floor jack to hold up the transmission, before you pull the motor out!

Use a floor jack to hold up the transmission, before you pull the motor out!

You could do it either way.With the trans on is easier to do with two people.

If you are using a cherry picker, invest another $ 25-50 bucks and buy one of the engine tilters that hang onto the hook. WIth one of these you just turn a crank and level or tilt the engine/trans as much as you need to so that you clear trans tunnel and radiator crossmember. They make it whole lot easier, and save your painted surfaces too. They are available at Harbor Freight/Northern Tool/ and tons of places.

I hate laying under a car bench pressing automatic trans, so I pull them as a unit when possible.

I agree, if you don't have a load leveler they are well worth the price. I was able to pull and install the 350 in my '69 Camaro by myself. It would have been a big hassle doing it solo if I didn't have one.

If it were me, and I already got the trans undone. I would just pull the engine and wouldn't even think of bolting them back togeather. I would put them both back in as an assembly though.
Just make sure you clear any overhead items first; like dammed garage door openers, you'll need more headroom with the trans attached.