I have a friend who wants me to replace the engine in his 98 Camaro SS, What a good estimate on hours to swap the motor out? It's a dedicated track car so AC, and misc crap wont have to go back in.

Any helpful hints on the best/quickest way to do it?

I have a 4 post lift, hoist and a full mechanics set of tools, etc

 

I always go out the top. I pulled one out of the bottom one time and for me I can do it faster going out the top. In my car without A/C you could have the motor out in a couple hours, if that long. Shouldn't take too long if you get after it!

Jon

 

Me too, out the top, dont even have to remove the hood. 3-5 hours depending on How you go about it. thats labeling all the bolts and wires.

 

To me it seems like it would be much easier from the bottom with a lift. Can't say I've tried it from the top yet.

 

3-5 hours? umm, methinks not. I'd say to pull the engine out, put the new one in and hook it all up, 7+ hours. Is the new engine coming out of another car or no?

 

If you drop the K-Member you can have the motor out in 2.5/3 hours easily.

 

Unbolting headers- 30 minutes. Alternator- 10. Pull both motor mount bolts- 10. Tranny un bolt- 5 bolts, three torque converter bolts- 30 minutes. Take off carb and unplug coil packs pull radiator- 20 pull motor- 10. Empty fluids- 10 min. 2 hours back in a little over that. 4 to 4 1/2 hours. 5 at the most. out the top.

 

I always pull mine out of the top. It usually takes me 3.5 to 4 hours

 

mine comes out the bottom in about 1.5 without a hoist. tried one out the top once and hated it. I have done a dozen or so out the bottom and i prefer that way

 

God this is true.

 

I have 1 used for a week sitting here if you want it. Its the second one that lasted less than 100 miles. They wont do anything for me.

 

I've had 2 go out with less than 100 also. I wonder if it's the fluid we're using or something? I'm going to try this new GM master for a while and see if I can get by.

 

i only got that master cause they said i had to use an aftermarket with the street twin. after all kinds of problems(thread here someplace) i installed the stock master(not supposed to work) pedal effort is normal(not hard like the Mcleod) works great, engages normal. shifts perfect at the track

 

Good to hear man, thanks

 

usually takes me 1.5 to get it out, 4 to put back. Pulling the motor out the bottom.

 

first timer. i guess 4 hours to get it out by dropping the k member. since yo have a lift. the bottom way would be easier. drop trans and motor all at once. makes it way easier

unbolt shock towers, undo your front brake lines from your main block. undo your harness, steering rod, and the 6 big bolts on ur k member ect.....

 

either way, ive only done the top once though cant give you an opinion on pulling the out of the bottom..

 

Thanks everyone for the tips, advice and opinions!

 

Lift = Bottom

Jack stands = Top

/thead