C1 59:Engine exchange procedure

[Rob M.]

Hi all,

I'm preparing the work needed for swapping my Camaro engine with the correctly casted #519 engine for our car. I'm currently figuring out how to do this task:

Prep:

* Arrange engine lift (with tilt controle)
* Remove shrouds and fan
* Remove exhaust manifolds and insert spare bolts
* Remove distributor (is this really needed)
* Remove generator and brace
* Drain coolant fluid and uncouple radiator and heater hoses
* Uncouple clutch
* Uncouple steering box
* Disconnect wiring starter
* Unconnect fuel line (and prevent fuel spilling)
* Bolt lift to exchaust bolts using spare bolts
* Unbolt trannie from middle column and rear axle shaft
* Unbolt engine mount bridge
* Lift and swap engine
* Connect everything in reversed order

Did I forget (essential) bits ?

greetings,
Rob.




The '59 Restoration Project

[Bob R.]

Re: C1 59:Engine exchange procedure

Remove your shifter. The distributor may hit the fire wall if left in place.

[Tom D.]

Re: C1 59:Engine exchange procedure

Step 1. Are you swapping heads? How about the intake?

Tom

[Rob M.]

Re: C1 59:Engine exchange procedure

Tom,

I'm swapping the complete engine incl. the heads and intake allthough the heads are not correctly numbered (anyone got any correct ones in a good shape for a late '59-er ?). The intake is a correct numbered one...

greetings,
Rob.

[Jerry J.]

Re: C1 59:Engine exchange procedure

Rob; Unless your 59 is different from my 61, there is no need to disconnect the steering box...

[Christopher R.]

Re: C1 59:Engine exchange procedure

You forgot the hood. Other than that, I think you've got it. Just a few suggestions.

1. You don't need to take the transmission, bell housing, or clutch off before you yank the engine. Might make it easier if you took the transmission off. Just because they'll be a smaller package to come out. Don't forget that you need to support the back of the engine when you disconnect the transmission. No matter what you do with the transmission, you need to get the shifter off first. It'll be easier to get your fingers up in the transmission tunnel to get to the shifter bolts if you drop the back of the engine/transmission assembly. You want to be able to control this drop so that the engine doesn't hit things in the engine compartment.

2. If you're going to yank the engine while the car is up on jackstands, make sure you've got enough room over the car, and make sure the engine hoist will go up that far.

3. If you thought you should replace the front brake line (because of age) that goes across the front of the compartment, now's the time to do it. You can't do it with the engine in place.

4. Of course, you'll be cleaning, painting, and detailing the engine compartment.

5. Don't believe (but not sure) that you need to do anything with the steering box. I think that can stay in place.

6. If the caged nuts in the frame that hold the shroud in place are screwed up, now's the time to fix them.

7. When you remove the hood, trace and scribe pencil lines on it where the hinges were. That way you know where to put it back.

8. Depending on their age, at this time, consider replacing the lower radiator hose, the clutch, and the exhaust manifold "donuts."

9. You might not have to remove the distributor, but it probably makes the job easier. The distributor comes out and goes in easy. And it one of those things that stick out on the engine. So if something's going to hit something else, it could be the distributor.

10. Drape the fenders and the front apron with thick padding. Have helper(s) help you guide the engine as it comes out. Don't hurry.

11. There should also be some ground wires attached to your valve covers, and don't forget the accelerator linkage.

Good luck with your project. It's not so tough a job.

[Larry P.]

Re: C1 59:Engine exchange procedure

I would also protect your radiator with a piece of plywood or pull it.
Larry

[Rob M.]

Re: C1 59:Engine exchange procedure

Chris and others,

Thanks for the response, our restoration project would be almost impossible without the help I get from this forum!

I'll needly printout all the suggestions and describe the procedure on our site so others can benefit from it aswell...

First get the engine from Rotterdam harbour, get it revised and in the autumn/winter do the engine swap!

greetings,
Rob.