Engine install questions

[Donald H.]

I'm getting close to finishing the engine for my 1960 (picture as of today). The chassis and body are away for finish bodywork and painting. I will be installing the engine assembly (with bellhousing and transmission) after I get the body/chassis back from painting. What I need to know is what do I need to leave off the engine to be able to get it in.

Here's my starting list, Installed is stuff that I think I can put on the engine and still get it into the engine bay, Leave Off is stuff that I think I need to install after the engine is in place.

I would appreciate someone who has done this to correct my list as needed:

1. Bellhousing/transmission - Installed
2. Waterpump/engine mount - Installed
3. Fuel Pump - Installed - I assume it will be OK & easier to install the fuel pump with the engine out.
4. Starter - Installed - will it be OK to install the starter or will it be in the way?
5. Exhaust manifolds - Installed
6. Carbs & Intake - Installed. I will use either Exhaust manifold bolts or straps around the exhaust manifolds for lifting.
7. Pulleys - Leave Off
8. Fan Shroud - Leave Off
9. Radiator and Core Support - I'm not sure about this. Can I get the engine and tranny assembly in with the core support installed?

Thanks,
Don

[Thomas H.]

Re: Engine install questions

1. Bellhousing/transmission - Installed
2. Waterpump/engine mount - Installed
3. Fuel Pump - Installed - I assume it will be OK & easier to install the fuel pump with the engine out.
4. Starter - Installed - will it be OK to install the starter or will it be in the way?
5. Exhaust manifolds - Installed
6. Carbs & Intake - Installed. I will use either Exhaust manifold bolts or straps around the exhaust manifolds for lifting.
7. Pulleys - Leave Off
8. Fan Shroud - Leave Off
9. Radiator and Core Support - I'm not sure about this. Can I get the engine and tranny assembly in with the core support installed?

Thanks,
Don

Don,

I just dropped the engine into my 60 a couple of weeks ago. At first I thought we would have to remove the fuel pump in mid stream, but some jostling got it to clear (go slowly when it gets near the frame mount)

I did not have my exhaust manifolds on, less weight and I think this helped give a bit more wiggle room on the way in. (Don't forget to remove the paint from the exhaust flanges before mounting the manifolds)

I left the starter off (less weight) but the engine should clear with it mounted.

I would not do the install with the carbs mounted. Why risk messing them up if a chain slips?

My radiator and core support was out (for other reasons). I expect you could get the engine in with them in place.

If you have an engine tilter it will make life easier during the initial stages. I used a floor jack to lift / guide the transmission as the engine descended into the engine bay.

Note, if you use the exhaust manifold bolt holes as a lift point, you should remove your valve covers so they don't get damaged by the lift chain.

It probably took us 10 minutes from initial lift to installed. Pretty straight forward. Just take your time and have a helper, or two......

Tom

[Robert S.]

Re: Engine install questions

When I put my engine in my 60, I had the waterpump, pulleys, belts, transmission, fuel pump, motormount, exhaust manifolds, and fuel unit on the engine. The shifter was also on the trans. The front of the car was on ramps and the rear on jackstands. The engine/trans went in as a unit. It is necessary to remove the passenger motor mount bracket from the frame.
I've done this four or five times by myself. Quite a lot of fun. Don't remember if the radiator was out, probably was, but the radiator support was in. Just leave the distributor off. Have fun.

Bob

[Donald H.]

Re: Engine install questions

Tom and Bob, thanks for you input

Don