When dropping the engine in, do you typically bolt it down to the motor mounts first and then bolt the flexplate up to the torque converter? Or the latter first?

 

I usually have the trans out, but i have done just the engine. If the trans is left in, bolt up the bellhousing to the engine before securing the mounts. You can do the flex plate bolts later.

 

If the Bellhousing is fully bolted up I'm trying to figure out where bolting the Flexplate to the Convertor is even a factor here..

 

You're right. I had forgotten that I bolt up the flexplate through that window near the starter, obviously after I bolt up the bellhousing.

But I am occupied now with ensuring I have the proper spacing between the flexplate and torque converter...

 

I see you have a 5.3 in your GTO. What happened to the LS1?

 

If you're pulling the motor and leaving the transmission in the car then the converter to flexplate bolts would be done after the bell housing is secured to the engine and the engine bolted to the engine mounts.

 

I can't get the engine to line up with the bellhousing.

The bellhousing is too low. The steering linkage and crossmember are in the way impeding me from lowering the engine far enough. And I dont want to rest the engine's weight on that area.

I've jacked the tranny up as far as it will go.

Tips, please!

 

You'll need to lower the k-member down some, just loosen the six bolts enough to gain some more room. I don't think you need to loosen the shock tower bolts but you may need to that also.