Swapping engines

[LoneWolfGal]

Originally Posted by elgyqc

Big advantage of an engine stand is that you turn the engine 90degrees so you are working with cylinders vertical and things don't fall out of the head!

Yes, an engine stand would be just the ticket. I've used them before and they're great. Can't justify buying one, though, because I'm close to finishing the engine. After that I'm hoping I'll have no need for one for a long, long time. By the way, Grant, I'd like to check out your procedures for dropping an engine and putting one back in. How many times have you done that?

[Gilles]

Congratulations, your project is moving along pretty good! :-) I was away for a few days and it was a nice surprise to see the cams on your workbench!

A while ago, I bought a cheap engine stand from Harbor Freight that I used it on the X1/9 (Fiat) and also on the Alfa Milano engines, but never use it on the 987 (never had the need, as it supposed to require an adaptor for the M96/97 that costs way more than the engine stand.. lol

[Newsguy]

I used a stand when I disassembled one, but it was tough getting the IMS out because of the bolt pattern. I have since seen pictures of them being used with the M96 but couldn't tell if they were using the special mount or just had better bolt positioning.
LoneWolfGal: it is remarkably easy to remove and install the engine--if you have a lift. With my now-1000-miles-away two-post, I just disconnected everything and lifted the car off the engine and trans.
Just reverse to replace--and watch that e-brake cable! I have done it 4 times, all but one by myself.
It is remarkably easy if you do it in unit with the transmission.

[elgyqc]

Originally Posted by LoneWolfGal

Yes, an engine stand would be just the ticket. I've used them before and they're great. Can't justify buying one, though, because I'm close to finishing the engine. After that I'm hoping I'll have no need for one for a long, long time. By the way, Grant, I'd like to check out your procedures for dropping an engine and putting one back in. How many times have you done that?

Like Newsguy in the previous post I have done four swaps. Since I have Quickjacks that have a lift height that leaves a bit to be desired I have worked out a complicated way to get the engine out. As I understand it you are using jackstands so the easiest way is to drop the engine and transmission then use the engine hoist to lift the rear of the rear of the car enough to pull the engine out. As Newsguy says, "I just disconnected everything and lifted the car off the engine and trans... and watch that e-brake cable!"
I haven't done it this way but one thing I would watch out for is that the front of the car can rotate on the jackstands as the rear is lifted, without slipping off them.

I prefer to remove the engine and transmission together, mainly because separating the engine and transmission and reconnecting them is a lot easier out of the car than under it.

[LoneWolfGal]

Thanks, guys.

I'll definitely drop the engine and transmission as a unit (despite naively stating in an early post that I wanted to leave the transmission in, like I've done with conventional engines). I planned to drop the engine onto a low-profile dolly, but I've gotten the impression that, even if I remove the rear bumper cover and muffler (and fuel tank?), I'll still need more clearance to get the engine out. Bummer. What lift point would I use to lift the rear end of the car with a hoist? I have chains and a couple of beefy ratchet straps at my disposal.

I've been studying the chapter about engine removal in 101 Projects, which has a fairly comprehensive step-by-step how-to for disconnecting stuff in the engine compartment and underneath the car. I thought I'd compare it with other folks' procedures, as belt and suspenders. I also have the service manual. The videos I've watched tend to be superficial, skipping over lots of important stuff. Maybe I haven't found the right video yet.

Newsguy, I salivate when I look at 2-post lifts. It's a must-have tool. Someday...

[JFP in PA]

The easiest way is to remove the rear bumper cover and muffler, the fuel tank is in the front of the car so you can leave that alone

[LoneWolfGal]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

The easiest way is to remove the rear bumper cover and muffler, the fuel tank is in the front of the car so you can leave that alone

D'OH!. I mixed it up with my Isuzu after being under it recently to fix the starter. What about my muffler bearings, think I need to replace them?

[piper6909]

Originally Posted by LoneWolfGal

What about my muffler bearings, think I need to replace them?

Those are wear items and a definite "while you're there" must! I think LN makes a "Solution" for them, too.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by LoneWolfGal

D'OH!. I mixed it up with my Isuzu after being under it recently to fix the starter. What about my muffler bearings, think I need to replace them?

No, but be sure to buy some high compression floor mats and refill your blinker fluid......

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by piper6909

Those are wear items and a definite "while you're there" must! I think LN makes a "Solution" for them, too.

The new LN environmentally friendly muffler bearing: