Any tricks you all have come up with when installing the engine with an automatic trans attached? I got the "shove it in carefully at a steep angle, watch the AC (Yes) box and heater hose nipple" part. I plan to have a jack or dolly underneath to catch the trans so it doesn't hit the floor. I'm stuck at whats next. I want to raise the car up to put the cross member and the trans mount in. Whats the best way to support the trans and engine when raising the car? Car is on a lift.
Hey Bill, The most important trick is having a helping hand if possible, but it can be done solo. All of your points above are what I would warn against so you should be good to go. Once the motor mounts are back on the frame pads, I would get a large block of wood on a jack and slowly pump it up while incrementally raising the car up. You may be best off installing the cross member on your back and getting the 4 bolts started in the frame, and 1 or 2 in the mount then raising the car completely up so you can finish up the install.
The only way I would consider doing that is with a front driver so the engine and trans can be kept level going in. Otherwise it sounds like an invitation to get oil and trans fluid all over. I would certainly much rather get under there to attach the trans, than have to deal with that mess. I prime my engines with oil, need the starter etc to do it. Once done the engine needs to stay level. I see a little effort and patience to get it done with no damage and no mess, as well worth it. Any used automatic will have gallons of fluid in it. Bruce Roe
Bill Are you working on a 67 skylark with AC? Are you putting a BBB in it? If I remember correctly 40 yrs ago the BBB in a 67 GS400 was a tight fit on the AC.. That was with the Factory frame pads & motor motor mounts... IIRC had to remove the right valve cover to get the motor in.... That was without a trans connected.... The next time in I did a 67 skylark AC with PAE pads and 68+ MMs .... I pulled the front clip.....
Luckily (I think) the trans is brand new and empty. I didn't think about the engine though, maybe I'll drain it too. Yes - PAE/TA pads and AC! Between the headers, starter, etc it should be lots of fun! I've heard of using a ratchet strap to hold the trans. I'll look into that.
