C3 4spd Trans tunnel insulation

[William H.]

Can the tunnel insulation be installed with the trans in the car?

[William C.]

Re: C3 4spd Trans tunnel insulation

Possibly, but it would entail almost the same amount of work as removing the trans, you would need to remove the shifter, remove the rear mount, lower the engine trans for clearance (requires removing the exhaust pipes) then remove rements of the old stuff, straighten the tangs on the retainers (assuming all are in place) then snake the new shield into place and somehow restake the retainer clips to hold it in place. Given what's involved, 8 more bolts to drop the driveshaft and pull the trans doesn't look too bad.

[Edward J.]

Re: C3 4spd Trans tunnel insulation

Bill, about the only way I could think would be is to make a cut on along the top portion (rear) of the instalation where its invisable anyway(to slide over shifter), and try sliding over carefully, maybe even remove the transmisson mount to lower trans.and give alittle more access room.

Like Bill says, the transmisson out of car is truely the only other way.

[William H.]

Re: C3 4spd Trans tunnel insulation

I'm guessing that the trans can come out with the engine left in the car?

[William C.]

Re: C3 4spd Trans tunnel insulation

Yes, but you will need a support under the rear of the engine to reduce the strain on the engine mounts.

[William H.]

Re: C3 4spd Trans tunnel insulation

Thanks you guys are the best!!

[Dennis S.]

Re: C3 4spd Trans tunnel insulation

I could not imagine trying to do a decent job, let alone at all, with the tranny and shifter installed.

Just a little tip. If you screw up the foil (like tear or puncture in the wrong location) just go to Home Depot and get a roll of aluminum foil tape in the HVAC department. Don't go crazy with it, but if used judiciously it certainly covers up a multitude of errors.