Engine Install - Which way is best?
 

Looking for a little advice...

I am getting ready for my final engine installation (its been in and out three times now). What is the preferred method of install? Pros, cons... Martin's manual suggests to install the engine alone, then add the block plate, flywheel, clutch, etc. Isn't it easier to put the engine and trans together outside of the vehicle and then drop them in as one unit?

Thanks,
Denis.

have you already "fitted" the trans too?

The T5 trans is not so heavy to be too difficult to put it in after the engine is in. I preferred to do it this way to prevent banging things around both on the engine and the engine bay. If you have enough room to tilt the engine/trans down for install I would agree that is much easier.

If you have not "fitted" both the engine/trans together in the car, it may not be the final time for install...

Mike

er... um... no, I have not fitted the tranny yet. I had a look from underneath and it looks like I have good access to all the block to bell bolts. I have the car on jack stands about 18 inches up so I think I will have the room to angle it in with the trans (might have to remove the shifter).

Den

It does look like it belongs in there though...

Looks good!

It does look good there! Could you even put the assembly in from the top? To me it's easier to wrestle smaller pieces around and I would not try it assembled.

I like to put the transmission in separately so I know that the transmission can be removed separately if it ever needed to be repaired or have a clutch replaced. Nothing is more aggravating than having too long of fasteners or non-accessible ones when the time comes to remove them.

Good point, just like the heavy duty front sway bar mounts I got from FM. Had to remove them to get the long bolt in the upper A arms.

Den

Engine, tranny
 

From the bottom is easiest. Steering shaft is the only thing that creates an issue, but after doing it a few times now it is easier.

Attachment 6500

Well yeah everything is easier with a host!

Did you need to pull the driver's side header, even after pulling the steering shaft? Is the header just hanging there in the picture?

LOL. Yeah, a lift makes it really nice. Got to do that while at an Army course. Fort Rucker has a nice auto shop, and I rented a long term stall to do my entire build (a second time).

I run the main steering shaft through the header and hang it with a coat hanger. I make sure the shaft is well lubricated (it is telescoping) and pushed in a bit. As the car lowers onto the front k member, I try to align the shaft into the steering box. It is best with 2 people. One to work lift and one to align shaft. Tricky part is making sure steering wheel is kept straight.