Hi All,

Planning on pulling the engine and tranny out of my 91 Z28 (5.7 L TPI). I understand there are countless threads discussing such but I am looking for some specific information from those that have done the chore. I plan on removing the two for rebuilding purposes and then reinstalling. I would like to keep as much on the engine as possible because I won't be in a position to tackle the rebuild until fall time. Here goes ....

1) Can the engine and transmission be pulled from the car as a unit without having to elevate the car - mainly due to the angle at which the engine/tranny will be at when lifting to clear the chassis. If not, looking for suggestions in terms of what is required here.

2) Would it be easier to tackle each one separately - for example, jack the front of the car up, support the engine and remove the tranny. Then pull the engine straight out as a complete unit.

Any tips on marking the hood alignment for easy reinstallation?

Is the torque arm under any pre-load or can it be removed without consideration.

Is there any benefit to leaving the wiring harness on the engine? I do plan on painting the engine bay so it would eventually come out of the car anyway.

Also, I have a low mileage aluminum headed L98 from a 91 vette. One option I have is to install this engine until I can rebuild the original engine. Does anyone know if I can use these heads with the stock Z28 exhaust manifolds. The reason I ask is that the aluminum heads are angle plug style and need to know if they'll work with the OEM manifolds before considering this route. Also if there is anything else that I need to consider if I choose to make the swap.

Lastly - not related to the above .... I purchased this car to restore and make a great daily driver - I don't know much on the history of the car but the underside of the car has allot of oil residue over the floor pans - either the transmission or the engine has serious leak issues. Not a problem cleaning that up. But the interior seems to have what appears to be allot of black sooty residue of sorts in the ventilation system as well - including all of the interior components. It easily wipes off - but I have a major cleaning job on my hands! If anyone has any idea as to where this would come from - please let me know. Thanks!!

Sorry for all the questions ....

Flh59!

 

i can help a little....my buddy and i have pulled countless engines and trannys. for autos its easier to leave the motor and trans as one. Your life will be easier with the car on jackstands. If you have a lift then the trans and motor can be separated easier. they will clear the firewall and rad support... it might need a little help but it can be done.

the wires can stay on the motor, but you need to get the connector out of the fender first. otherwise there isnt really a benefit because all the plugs are special and unique to each sensor (gm did something right).

there is no pre-load on the torque arm as long as the rear is the same level as the tranny (meaning the rear isnt hanging by the shocks while the trans is still mounted)

Im not sure about the stock z28 manifolds, i know the vette heads have "D" shaped ports as well as the angled plugs. IMO as far as the swap thats your call, if you want to still drive your car while rebuilding the motor then i would do it. but that also means twice as much work.

hope this helps! feel free to pm me as i did many swaps and just recently did a TPI swap and am learning a lot of info about it and how it works.

 

Thanks Nascar ...... I appreciate your taking the time to respond. I'm going to tackle this next week and probably pull the entire works in one shot.

Flh59