is it possible to lift the engine using the TPI plenum and runners bolted up? what i mean is sneak a chain or strap thru the intake under the plenum and lift it? or is it too weak b/c its aluminum?

 

I wouldent suggest it. It probably would hold but the risk isnt worth it. Just pull the intake off, some people claim GM dident put an eyelet on the rear of thier TPI engines, Ive not seen one without.

 

Don't do it... Not worth the risk...

Although, I did pull a TBI motor out at the junkyard by attaching the chain to one of the throttle body mounting bolts on the intake manifold.. Yeah, pulled the motor by one bolt threading into aluminum... Never got underneath it though, and kind of expected it to break (this motor was being retrieved as a core to be rebuilt, and I didn't care about the TBI manifold either..)

But, no, don't do that to your poor TPI...

 

If you have the exhaust manifolds off, put the chain on bolts in the exhaust manifold holes, in the sides of the heads. Much safer.

 

got the motor out finally after 4 hours of struggling wit the SOB (350 TPI from another car). dont help when youre sick as a dog, workin at night in 50* weather with little lighting. at least i had all the tools and a couple friends who helped out. i removed the TPI stuff and used the rear bracket and one of the thermostat housing bolts as lifting points. thanx.