So I have been thinking about a motor swap going from the 305 to a 350. Simple enough. But I like to plan ahead and I am trying to decide what way is best for motor removal. I know on a 4th gen you drop the k member, but what's the easiest for the 3rd gen. I do not have a engine hoist, or a two post car lift, but I do own a forklift we use for construction. It will easily pick up 2500 lbs. So would I be better to pick the motor out or pick the car off of the k member. I was thinking I could just hook chains to the inner fender well area somewhere near the strut towers and lift the front of the car up enough to roll the k member out. Is that area strong enough for this kind of lifting. Anyone tried it this way or have any input. My main concern is stress on the front frame area.

 

Actually you can easily lift the car off the front suspension.

If you support the rear half of the car in front of the lower control arm mounts, the front of the car is rather light. Once you disconnect the front suspension/engine, you can lift the front by the strut mounts.

When I had my car apart, with the cross member/engine out & the doors & fenders off, I could lift the front of the car off the stands by hand. It is rather light.

I've also lifted the body by the rad support or front bumper if the cover is off. Just be careful & move slowly.

If you are not removing the trans, it is probably easier to just pull the engine by itself out the top.