Engine Removal 54 Vete

[Ted K.]

Removing engine from 54 Corvette for rebuild. Have removed most attachments including radiator. Went to remove drive shaft, removed rear u-joints but drive shaft does not slide off of front spine. Is it attached to something in transmission tail shaft or do I just need to apply more pressure to get it off of spline. After that should engine and transmission be removed together as one assembly or should they be seperated and removed individually. It doesn't appear that there is enough room to get it all out in one piece. Thanks

[Roy B.]

Re: Engine Removal 54 Vete

The drive shaft is only stuck ,you need to have the engine and trans at about a %45 angle to clear the radiator brace .
It's not that hard and better to disconnect the trans first.

[John O.]

Re: Engine Removal 54 Vete

Hi Ted

Just like Roy said. The yoke is stuck. Just tap it with a hammer carefully until it comes off.Put a little lube (IN ) the yoke once you take it off.

Also this is important. Before you take the driveshaft off, make a chalk mark on the yoke and on the tail end of the tranny so you put it back in exactly the way it came out. Corvettes are known to get twisted tranny tailshafts from hard driving.If you don't, it might not go back in... Trust me, I had this problem before on my 62.It would not hurt to mark it. I would take the tranny off first so you have more clearance to get the engine out. Trust me it will be easier and safer. You don't want the tranny on the engine when pulling it out. Your taking a chance of it hitting and scratching the car or breaking the windshield. Don't take chances with your BABY.

Good Luck.......John