I've started my R&R of my recently installed 383 and new 700r4

Last year I installed the 383 and instantly got a oil leak from the front cover. It is a cheap 2 piece chrome cover from summit. I used one on a 350 tpi years ago had didn't have a drop leak out. This one seems to be leaking from either the pan gasket or the two-piece design the front seal is not leaking.

I feel like I could probably get this two-piece cover to seal or should I just buy a stock one piece replacement?

Since I have the transmission out to install the probilt street strip I figured I might as well pull the engine and fix the oil leaks.

I'm trying to be as clean as possible. I sucked all the coolant out of the rad, hooked the suction up to the cooler line and got as much out as I could. Hopefully when I disconnect the rad hoses and start pulling the engine no coolant more spills out.

This will also give me a chance to reseal an intake bolt that's leaking oil into the intake valley and I am going to install a milling 10551ST HV oil pump. I have close to .0030" main bearing clearance and only get 18psi at idle, which I know is enough but I already have the pump.

 

I got the engine pulled this evening. I need a few things eventually but I think I can get the work done and it back in without too much delay.

I pulled the trans and engine separately because I originally was just going to do the transmission. Going back in how difficult would it be to put the engine and trans in as 1 unit?

 

I found that in or out while together to be way more work. The down angle required and open space doesn't make it as easy as older model vehicles. It can and has been done.

 

I seem to recall trying to install a engine/trans together in a Mustang 20 years ago and remember that it didn't work because of the angles. Looking at the Camaro it would be even harder to accomplish.

When the time comes I will install both separately.

 

I prefer the engine and transmission pulled as a unit. It saves trying to get at the bell housing bolts with a 3' extension and swivel socket while (in my case anyway) laying in your back.

With a hoist leveller getting the required angle isn't difficult.

https://www.princessauto.com/1500-lb-engine-leveller/product/PA0008879793

 

I found the source of the front oil leak. Before I pulled the engine it was almost dripping and after parking it would make a 6" wet spot every time. I used a cheap 2 piece timing cover, I used one on my last Camaro and it worked great. This one was leaking between the oil pan gasket and the timing cover seal groove. When I put the engine together, being a 1997 vortec block, it didn't have timing cover dowel pins. I didn't think anything of it at the time but now i think the cover wasn't in the exact right spot and was causing the leak. The machine shop pulled a stock cover off a engine for me. It looked like it was never off so the sealing surface is nice and flat.

Wire wheeled it up, painted, and new seal. Good as new!

 

Before I put the engine back in I put a new speedometer cable in. I also wrapped the exhaust pipe that runs under the oil pan. We had a random roll of header wrap leftover and it was just the right length for what I did.

 

So, did you install the engine and transmission as an assembly or separately?
​​​​

 

Separately. I thought it would be easier to perform by myself. With the cheap headmen shorty headers on it took me 30 minutes to get the drivers side motor mount bolt/nut on. With the transmission on it would have been a nightmare to get at that.

 

Not sure if I lucked out on my header choice but I can drop my engine in and install the headers after the fact. Oil filter and starter are the last to be installed. I do have a mini starter though which makes for plenty of clearance.

 

The Hedman 68470 shorties don't fit well. They bulge out on both sides just about touching the sides of the engine bay, the collector flanges hit on the k member, and no chance of getting them in without lifting the engine a bit.

What headers are you using?

 

Hedman 68460.


But that means you have to build a y-pipe.



I ended up cutting off the ball style flange on the headers and used a traditional 3 bolt flange.

 

I got everything together and fired up. Things seem good. A quick easy spin around town and back into the garage. No leaks and all seems good.