I have always taken the hood off, it will be the least convenient when you are against the hood and need to go up more. I think I was using a leveler once and was going to hit the 8' ceiling and still needed to go up. I prefer just a chain to the engine and some times a ratchet strap to any where I want to pull or level. A lift plate would be ok but I don't have one and lately I haven't been able to find stuff I know I have and when I clean out an area I am finding other stuff that I could have used the day before.
No problem leaving the trans in the car, but you will need a separate jack and wood block to hold it in position when you remove/install the engine.
I find it just as easy to pull the front bumper, grill and radiator core support. This way, the motor and transmission sets out together and I don’t have to lift everything so high. As this is a 4-speed with a hydraulic clutch, I can reinstall my m22 to the 455 and set it all back in.
I tried that in my 66 riviera and i just can't remove front without removing at least one fender. Witch leads to hood removal anyway...
That's the "redneck repair" method! Additional caution: When it's time to put engine into engine compartment, be careful around your heater core--don't let the engine swing into the firewall and hit the core. Ask me how I know that's important.
Cool Kyle. I totally understand, sometimes I go through the same thing. What I end up doing is visually completing the task in my head multiple time and by the time I actually do it, I just breeze through it. My uncle always told me to do things "little by little". That's another way to attack it. Have a good weekend
Next step for me will be to label what little wiring is in the engine bay so that it’ll literally be plug & play when new motor goes in. Have to decide on starter, also waiting on my TA aluminum valve covers to get off of back order. You have a good one as well & enjoy the family this weekend. Kyle
Evening Ronnie. Just an update: motor pulled today. Took about two hours & went pretty damn smooth thankfully. Kyle
To be 100% honest, I’ve done tons of car repairs/work for years. Having pulled my first motor today & having it go well, yes, yes it does! Wife & I went to lunch & I told her I felt pretty good about how it went. Kyle
Reviving an old thread but I'm getting ready to pull my 350 and install a 455 soon. I too have a 4 speed with a hydraulic clutch. Would I have to re-measure the hydraulic throw out when swapping to the 455? I'm still using the same bellhousing etc. Also, would it be easier to unbolt the bell housing and pull the engine with it and leave the 4 speed in? I've only swapped a ln automatic car.
