I plan on replacing the engine in my 91 RS. I've found lots of debate on whether to bring it out the top or the bottom but I cant for the life of me find a detailed step by step guide for either method.

Does anyone know where I can find a detailed guide for the whole process? (either method or preferably both)

I'm not swapping to a different engine, just replacing with another stock motor. Mine's a 3.1 V6 with an auto but It should be generally the same as a V8 just with slightly more clearance. I have to do most of the work by myself and don't have any experience replacing these engines so I need to know everything, not just a general idea of what to remove. (I have swapped engines before but on very different cars)

I would be happy to buy a manual that contains a guide but please don't suggest one unless you are SURE it actually contains a detailed guide on engine removal. Some people suggest buying a Haynes manual, I have one and it doesn't contain any such thing.

Thanks in advance for any help or advice.

 

The only other manual readily available may be a Chilton's but I do not know how much better that will be than a Hayne's manual. There are not a lot of "step by step" resources I have ever found for pulling an engine other than a helpful/willing friend that has done it before.

Possibly a factory service manual could be more detailed than the others for engine removal but I don't have one for my T/A so who knows.

 

+1 if you run in to any problems Just ask here. but on a v6 puling just engine I would go from the top.

 

The engine doesn't drop out the bottom of these cars like FWD ones and some other newer cars. They're very much like cars always were for the prior century or so in that regard.

1. Drain fluids.
2. Rotate hardware counterclockwise and remove.
3. Lift engine.
4. Installation is reverse of removal.

Pretty eeeeezy, really....

The "helpful willing friend" suggestion is best. I would add, older (or at least, more experienced in this particular area) family member to the list of potential helpful willing people.

 

Well...

 

Yup, "can be done"; I didn't say it "couldn't"; but that's not at all the same thing as "should be done in all cases". (not even for a LSx R&R like the one in the pic)

Cars whose front suspension is already missing, or in need of total replacement, would be better candidates for doing it that way. Cars that all you're doing is changing the motor, ... not so much.

 

Well, what you said is the engine "doesn't drop out the bottom". Clearly it does (it would be a lot harder to do it with my '57 Bel Air, for instance).

There are a couple of reasons for lifting the car off of the engine. One is it's the reverse of how the factory put it in. Another is the typical "cherry picker" engine hoist doesn't reach far enough if you're pulling the transmission with the engine (you'll either have to go from the side with the hoist, or take the front bumper off of the car).

Having pulled engine out without pulling transmission, pulled engine & transmission out together, and doing what's in the picture, I'm pretty sure the pictured approach will be how I do it from now on.

 

From My 1984 Shop Manual,Should Be Pretty Much The Same For Later Years.

 

I always start with the torque converter to flex plate bolts, since it is easier to bump the engine around with the starter to get access.

 

Just did this last weekend, just the removal part. Still working on the motor. This is out of a '91 Firebird service manual, but is for the 3.1 V6 VIN "T". Look at Engine Assembly - Removal on first page. Continues on second page, best I could get it with scanner I got. I did have to remove the front bumper cover and metal bumper to get the hoist in there proper. Going to put it back in this Sunday. Good luck.