Chevy II

I am getting ready to install an LS1 and 4L60E trans into a 62 Chevy II. My question is can I attach the trans to the engine and then install them both, or should I install the engine and then install the trans after the engine is in place?

My concern is the additional weight of the trans when the engine is being picked. I am using a leveling bar with 4 chains that will be attached at each corner to existing holes on the engine heads. I have installed the engine and trans combo many times, but this is my first time with an aluminum engine.

It is a lot easier to install the trans to the engine while it is out of the car. Has anyone installed the engine/trans combo together or know if this will be a problem.

Thanks for the help.

rao

iTrader: (18)

You can do them together - people do it all of the time

bczee

iTrader: (12)

They do SBC and BBC all the time with both attached together.. the LS1 weight about 100 lbs less than a SBC... so.. don't worry.. just make it easy on yourself and do them together....

67rsss

iTrader: (4)

It is WAY easier to install both at once. Have a hleper or two to watch clearances, and it helps if you can have the vehicle raised little. Then you can stab the trans down behind the crossmember, lower everything, and then tilt it into place. It is a lot easier if you have the radiator and core support out as well since you don't have to lift as high.

lsxyj

iTrader: (1)

i do them togther all the time even with a transfercase on sometimes

babydeuce

iTrader: (24)

The Chevy II engine bay is what I would consider rather short. Get the car up as high as you can, and come into the bay at a steep angle to get the trans in the tunnel. If this is a stock clip car, remove the front X member, that will make like a bunch easier! And yes, do it as 1 unit, it is a real PITA to get the trans in and out with the engine in place.

Jack

Buckndol

You will probably be very lucky to get it all in one try. I have had my engine in and out several times getting the motor mounts fabricated, frame boxed for the air conditioner and tunnel modified for the trans.

67rsss

iTrader: (4)

I don't know about his Nova, but our LS1/T56 slides in and out of the Camaro (first gen) like butter. For us, no starter installed, it makes it hard to slide past the pedastal mount on the passenger side. Not impossible, just not nice. We had the subframe lifted about 6 inches to allow the hoist to slide under the tie-rods easily, and to give that long trans more room before it hits the floor. No problems getting it in and out, we did it about 12 times during the install.

67pete

Do you have the motor mount adaptors?
I am using a Heidts front clip and putting the engine in/ out is not a problem, that is once you open up the trans tunnel.
Removing everything off of the firewall is also a good idea. Depending on the year of the engine there may be interference with the hoses on the back of the engine hitting the firewall.

67rsss

iTrader: (4)

Protect your heater core! It doesn't take much of a nudge with the head to damage it (I know from experience). Remove your wiper motor and brake booster if you really want to have some working clearance.

Chevy II

Thanks for all the tips.

The car has a TCI clip installed. The fenders and radiator support are removed as well as the inner fender panels. The car is up on jack stands. The firewall is bare. No master cylinder or heater core in place.

I have the motor mount adapters that put the motor back about 1". I have not done any modifications to the trans tunnel. Want to wait and see what if anything needs to be done. Don't have a trans mount yet. Again I wanted to get things mocked up so I could see what needs to be done.

I know the motor will be in and out a few times before it is final. My big concern was hanging the trans weight from the motor while it's on the cherry picker.

Thanks again.

camrs73

you could always shorten the arm of the cherry picker so the load isnt as far out and get a load leveler to angle the engine and tranny assembly

67rsss

iTrader: (4)

The engine does not care about the wieght of the trans being bolted to it, and as long as your hoist is rated for the weight, no worries.

bczee

iTrader: (12)

I agree with 67rsss. also as long the engine/tran is balanced and you don't leave then engine/tran up high.. you should be able to suspend them for as long as you are working on the install.. but once your done for the day/night.. lower them down to the ground or so they are resting on something other than being suspended in the air.

Chevy II

I know the engine doesn't care about the weight of the trans and I know the cherry picker can handle the load.

My concern was about the bolts attaching the leveler bar chains to the aluminum heads. I didn't want to damage or possible strip the threads out of the heads. The load will be carried by bolting to an aluminum head threaded connection. That was the question.

Thanks for all the input.

DCx

iTrader: (12)

i installed my ls1/t56 in my 69 camaro using a valley tray engine plate. halndled the load no problem. check it out.



i got it off ebay. carshop inc makes it. worth every penny

Carshopinc.com

iTrader: (5)

Got em in stock ready to ship 2!