C3 - Engine install

[Jim Callan]

What is the prefered way to "lift" the engine to install ? It will be complete with exhaust manifolds, starter, wp, ps pump, etc -- carb and a/c compressor installed later. When removed, it was only the short block, I just attached chains to 4 corners, but now it is assembled and MUCH heavier. I plan to use a engine leveler to help alignment with the transmission. Would a lift plate attached to the carb flange be better and if so, can I still use the leveler ?
I suppose I could attach chains at 4 corners of the intake... but I have remove and use longer bolts AND there's all the nice new paint to worry about. Also, my
hoist won't reach from the front, have "angle in" from the side -- so that adds to the challenge. Should the distributor be removed ? How to you guys do it ??

Thanks

Jim Callan

[Craig S.]

Re: C3 - Engine install

Jim - I have always used a leveler and attached to the back of the RH head on one of the unused bolt holes, plus the LH front intake area with a lifting bracket (I have several from other Chevy engines I use on those that don't have them already installed, as a temporary item on this intake bolt point). I have not used the carb lift plates, I suppose they are fine with a cast iron intake, but would be leary on an aluminum intake with all that weight on 4 5/16" threaded holes. I doubt the load leveler would buy you anything using a lift plate either.....single attachement point would not give you the ability to tilt the engine. I have always left the distributor out for safety, it is too close to the firewall, and too easy to damage it and the firewall...Craig

[Dick W.]

Re: C3 - Engine install

Easiest way is to use factory lift eyes. The carb plate works good also, although some do not like to use this. The intake bolts are another lift point provided you use long enough bolts.

[Terry M.]

Re: C3 - Engine install

Unless your engine has three Holley's there should be a lifting eye at the driver's front -- one or two intake bolts, depending on the year and size of the engine. If a 4-speed small block, or big block there is another lifting eye on the rear of the drivers head, or at one of the bellhousing to cylinder case bolts. Using the factory engineered and supplied lifting points, with a load leveler, is your best and safest bet.
I once did a iron intake 454 complete with exhaust manifolds and a TH400 transmission from a carburetor lifting plate -- into a Suburban. A BIG lift. When the engine fired I had minor coolant leaks from the head to intake gasket. Retorquing the intake fasteners fixed it, but it was a closer call than I would want. I will NOT repeat that again, and urge you to take my close call to heart.

[Jim Callan]

Re: C3 - Engine install

Craig, Dick, Terry - thanks for your responses. This is a sb with camel hump heads.. no acc. holes. I forgot about the lift eyes.. I do have 1 with 2 mounting holes, in a box of misc stuff. Could I attach it to the intake on driver side REAR and use a water pump mtg hole on FRONT passenger side ? Any guess on how much this sb wieghs ?

Thanks

[Terry M.]

Re: C3 - Engine install

I forgot about the early heads with no accessory holes. 1970 and earlier small block used a single bolt left (driver's) front for the lifting bracket. That bracket stayed on the C3s -- don't know about earlier. It used a slightly longer bolt with a indented hex head with built in washer. Note the operative word is SLIGHTLY. Too long a bolt runs the risk of bending the pushrod.

Manual trans engine was shipped with bell housing, but no transmission. On the passenger side top of the two outermost (one straight above the other) bellhousing to cylinder case mounting bolts, was where the rear lifting eye attached. It is a difficult to described shape, but I know Paragon (perhaps among others) sells a reproduction. If you have their catalog, look it up. You might have the correct rear lifting eye hanging around. That lifting eye was left on the engine also, and was used for positioning the engine and transmission into the chassis.

Use those two details. They will more than support the weight, and are appropriate for your installation. If you leave them on the engine they will look like they belong there, because they do. If they get scuffed up from the chain -- no big deal because the originals probably were also.

[Harmon C.]

Re: C3 - Engine install

jim
I would leave the fuel pump off as it is in a danger area. LYLE

[Jim Callan]

Re: C3 - Engine install

This is '71 with a Th400 and it sounds like the lift eye I have ( 2 holes) attaches to intake at FRONT driver side. I not sure where you say the REAR (1 hole) lift eye attaches. Where can I get the 1 hole lift eye ? When I google "paragon corvette", I get to "Corvette Central", are the the same ?

Thanks

[Ralph A.]

Re: C3 - Engine install

Paragon URL http://corvette-paragon.com

ENGINE PULL BRACKET KIT
PR #: 2208K
Engine pull bracket kit. All w/350.

For Years:1971 to 1982
Condition: New
Packaging: Kit
Type: Stock

PARAGON Tech Tips:
Engine pull brackets were installed at engine plants for quick assembly and ease on the production lines. Any missing bracket discovered during under hood detailing means that they were removed, but they should be reinstalled to receive full judging points. Instructions are included. Review your NCRS judging manual for specifics. These brackets were also used on many passenger cars.

List Price: $22.00

[Gary S.]

Re: C3 - Engine install

For the newbie, an excellent source for engine removal/install is "How To Rebuild Your Small Block Chevy". I have seen it at Barnes and Noble as well as other book stores. Great generic advice on prepping for an install/removal. I still reference mine for other stuff like distributor installion.
Gary

[Terry M.]

Re: C3 - Engine install

There is no rear lifting eye on the TH cars. I don't know how they handled them in shipping, but the automatics had no lifting eye at the back. If you plan to install the engine without the transmission bolted up, you could use the same bolt hole and lifting eye as they used for the 4-speed cars. Then after the engine is in place and supported from the bottom, remove the bolt and lifting eye.
I suspect it will be easier for you to remove the distributor, as others have suggested, and reinstall it after the engine and transmission are in place.
The two bolt hole front lifting eye is correct for your year.
Both Corvette Central and Paragon are in the state of Michigan, but they are not the same at all.

[Jim Callan]

Re: C3 - Engine install

I don't really want to use a lift eye at the bellhousing ... seem it would "hinder" connecting to TH400. I don't have any acc. holes in the heads, so I plan to attach the lift eye on rear driver side and use a wp bolt hole on front passenger side. That should be safe, support the weight, and allow the use of a load leveler. What to you think ? Thanks for you respones.

Jim

[Terry M.]

Sounds like it ought to work. *NM*