Can you pull and replace ls1's from the top?
 

I was wondering if you can pull the engine from the top or does it have to drop out the bottom?

You can pull it from the top. You will have to pull the intake, all the front accessories and crank pulley, and the radiator/condenser assembly to make room.

Is it pretty easy to pull this way?

thats how i did mine, i thought it was fairly easy, did pull the intake, but didnt have to remove the crank pulley, just had to turn the engine at an angle then lift it.

As soon as I finish my motor i'm gonna try it. So I guess when it goes back in the intake needs to be off?

I've done them from the top as well, without pulling all of the accessories or crank pulley, and with the tranny still on it. It's not as hard as you would think

Thanks! Scoggin i need a gmpp intake from you. Hook me up!!!

For those of you that have removed the engine both ways, which is easier? Through the top or dropping the entire front suspension with motor?

I've got access to a rack, so pulling it from the bottom is the easiest and fastest method to me. If I didn't have a rack I would pull it from the top.

OK great. I've got a friend that has a 2 post lift so that's where I'll go. Thanks!

What accesories didnt you have to remove? I know water pump needs to be, and power steering pump. But what about alternator/AC compressor?

a/c, alternator, and WP were left on.

Ok thanks, It will be alot easier to pull all that off once the motor's out. Already have the heads off so it shouldnt be bad at all.

Whats the worst part of doing it from the top?

http://img378.imageshack.us/img378/6...8339ba3.th.jpg

Yes the motor can be pulled and replaced from the top. I know because I just did mine. The only "worst" part about doing it from the top is that you will more than likely break the oil pressure sender on the back of the block. So be sure to remove it if you decide to pull it from the top. You will also have to loosen and just drop the AC condenser down in order for the motor to clear. You will probably goober up the area above the firewall but it's no biggy just be careful when lifting the motor and you won't. Also, if I had to to mine again I would most definitely remove the crank pulley and water pump. It will give you a ton more clearance room. If you have a car lift available then I would take advantage of that. I didn't have one available so I had to do with what I had.

Thanks alot! I have heard of people busting the windshield, didn't wanna do that!

Does anyone have more pics of pulling from the top?

i just did it from the top this weekend with the crank pulley still on and with the hood on... i took all the acc off just to have the extra room... but its very possible to do it out of the top don't be scared...

Mine came out the top as well with the hood on, it's no big deal. Just move slow and you won't ding anything. I did mine solo and most likely will be droping it back in as well. I had the car on jack stands as I was replacing the rear at the same time(before).
Use a decent engine hoist and your much better off, it does need to twist a little but if you take the hood off I'm sure it's much easier.

did mine out the top and it was easy, also have done them out the bottom, easy as well. When you go out the bottom, you will need an alignment when you are done. from the top, you have to put more stuff on after you get it in the car. so 6=12?? work with what you have.