dropping in new engine

[Jayro]

Ok so about to drop in the new engine. Best to have the headers on and try not hit/damage anything or drop the motor in and then fit the headers?

Whats the best method as a rule?

 

[Ron Tanzi]

I adhere to using stock manifolds. But on the other side of that statement I have installed many engines in various cars (it was one part of my job). Are they long tube headers? It makes all the difference in weather you put them on before or after you install the engine.

Ron

 

[Jayro]

Hi Ron. Yes they are long headers mate.

 

[vintageman]

I put my 351C in without the long tube headers on, went in very easy. Then installed the headers. Passenger side took about 5 minutes, the driver's side took longer because my headers required a little ding put in one of the runners to fit around the steering gearbox. Good luck.

Tom

 

[Superbond]

I put mine in n after from underneath. Went in slick

 

[Cleveland Crush]

I put my 351C in without the long tube headers on, went in very easy. Then installed the headers. Passenger side took about 5 minutes, the driver's side took longer because my headers required a little ding put in one of the runners to fit around the steering gearbox. Good luck.

Tom

I put my 351C in without the long tube headers on, went in very easy. Then installed the headers. Passenger side took about 5 minutes, the driver's side took longer because my headers required a little ding put in one of the runners to fit around the steering gearbox. Good luck.

Tom

 

[Ron Tanzi]

I think Vintageman answered the your question.

Ron

 

[basstrix]

In general, I have always installed the headers after the engine gets bolted in. I don't recall ever doing an install that used shorty headers, but I'd probably consider installing them with the engine.

 

[tony-muscle]

I had the headers off the engine, but in the car pushed towards the shock tower. Then I installed the engine in between. Since I was doing it by myself it took a little back and forth but it was generally easy.

 

[Hemikiller]

It really depends on the headers. I have Hooker Comp 6915. They required zero clearancing, but I'd suggest you install them afterwards. The first time I did them on this car, I had it on cribbing blocks, so it was high enough to get them in without removing the clutch Z-bar. When I installed them a couple weeks ago, I only had the front on a set of ramps, and had to remove the z-bar and get just the right angle to slide them up in. I don't have any experience with other header manufacturers for these cars to share, as all mine have been 4-speeds, and no one else made anything that fit.

 

[giantpune]

I dropped mine in with the transmission and long tube headers attached. Radiator was out and hood was removed and sitting on top of the car. All the steering and suspension was still in place It went in very easily.

To add to it, it was done in my back yard, in the dirt. Car was up on ramps and engine stand was rolling on plywood.

If you want to, you can split the difference. Drop the motor in the car without the headers attached. But dont get it all the way installed. Leave the engine on the cherry picker and jack it up several inches and let it swing around. This will make it a lot easier sliding the headers down into place and getting them bolted up. Then when they're on, set the motor down.

 

[Cleveland Crush]

Jayco,
Do not try dropping your engine in with headers attached UNLESS you really want to have a bad, bad day. As stated, sliding in from underneath with car high up on good jack stands. OR preposition headers in the engine bay and then seat the engine (my long time preferred method).

I dropped mine in with the transmission and long tube headers attached. Radiator was out and hood was removed and sitting on top of the car. All the steering and suspension was still in place It went in very easily.

To add to it, it was done in my back yard, in the dirt. Car was up on ramps and engine stand was rolling on plywood.

Your God giantpune!

 

[giantpune]

Your God giantpune!

When you're young and poor, you do what you gotta do. I didn't have a garage or a driveway. I definitely would have preferred to have one.

 

[Cleveland Crush]

 

[Jayro]

I dropped mine in with the transmission and long tube headers attached. Radiator was out and hood was removed and sitting on top of the car. All the steering and suspension was still in place It went in very easily.

To add to it, it was done in my back yard, in the dirt. Car was up on ramps and engine stand was rolling on plywood.

If you want to, you can split the difference. Drop the motor in the car without the headers attached. But dont get it all the way installed. Leave the engine on the cherry picker and jack it up several inches and let it swing around. This will make it a lot easier sliding the headers down into place and getting them bolted up. Then when they're on, set the motor down.

That was my plan of easing it in. I like it

 

[1972]

Ok so about to drop in the new engine. Best to have the headers on and try not hit/damage anything or drop the motor in and then fit the headers?

Whats the best method as a rule?

Some people will lay the headers in first, then lower engine into place.

 

[will e]

I like the idea of getting the engine mostly in with the headers in the engine compartment and then attaching the headers before doing a final seating of the engine.