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Engine Removal

Old Dec 20, 2010 | 09:26 PM
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Default Engine Removal

Is there anything physically preventing the LS4 from being pulled out from the top? I have the correct LSx lifting apparatus.
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Old Dec 20, 2010 | 09:31 PM
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its pretty tight in there, i dont see why it couldnt be done but there would be alot more parts to remove out of the way to do so than if you just removed it from the bottom.
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Old Dec 20, 2010 | 09:35 PM
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Originally Posted by 2005gxp
its pretty tight in there, i dont see why it couldnt be done but there would be alot more parts to remove out of the way to do so than if you just removed it from the bottom.
Problem with dropping the subframe is a lack of available lift. If I had access to one I would just drop it. The only thing I'm curious about it getting to the converter bolts and having enough room to clear the bellhousing to lift it up.
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Old Dec 20, 2010 | 09:36 PM
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Someone's gotten out of the top before. There wasn't a lot of wiggle room though. I'll be dropping mine, technically I'll be lifting the car, but it's still coming out the bottom.
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Old Dec 20, 2010 | 09:43 PM
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https://ls1tech.com/forums/ls4-front...questions.html

Pictures for ya.
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Old Dec 20, 2010 | 09:44 PM
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Originally Posted by JP_GXP
Someone's gotten out of the top before. There wasn't a lot of wiggle room though. I'll be dropping mine, technically I'll be lifting the car, but it's still coming out the bottom.
\why lol????
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Old Dec 20, 2010 | 09:46 PM
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I remember that thread now!
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Old Dec 20, 2010 | 09:59 PM
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Why what? We can't change the cam while the engine's still in the car, like the G8 and others...
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Old Dec 20, 2010 | 10:03 PM
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Originally Posted by JP_GXP
Why what? We can't change the cam while the engine's still in the car, like the G8 and others...
NMP did his in the car. He lowered the pass side of the subframe enough to get it out, iirc.
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Old Dec 20, 2010 | 10:06 PM
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Hmm... I think we'll still take the engine out. Sounds easier.
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Old Dec 20, 2010 | 10:45 PM
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Mix dropped his subframe in his garage to remove his engine. Don't ask me how though lol


Didn't look fun at all.
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Old Dec 20, 2010 | 10:47 PM
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Originally Posted by CenTexSS
Mix dropped his subframe in his garage to remove his engine. Don't ask me how though lol


Didn't look fun at all.
Yeah...I know some fiero guys that can do it but the back end of a fiero is a little easier to work with than one of these land yachts.
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Old Dec 21, 2010 | 08:58 AM
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I've taken mine out around 3 or 4 times through the top. It's tight, but it can be done. I use a load leveler on my cherry picker to get the angle right and pull it out. Just go slow and make sure you have everything unhooked.
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Old Dec 21, 2010 | 10:00 AM
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Yep it will come out. Ready for cam now huh?
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Old Dec 21, 2010 | 11:05 AM
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Originally Posted by supercatxr7
I've taken mine out around 3 or 4 times through the top. It's tight, but it can be done. I use a load leveler on my cherry picker to get the angle right and pull it out. Just go slow and make sure you have everything unhooked.
Pull the engine out by itself or trans too?


Yeah David, I'm pretty sure a bad converter is my surging issue so why not upgrade while its all out? Lol
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Old Dec 21, 2010 | 04:43 PM
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[QUOTE=AlabamaGuy;14263961]Pull the engine out by itself or trans too?

Just engine by itself. You'll have to pry a little and watch the flywheel as you take it out, but once you get past the trans lip it will go easy.
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Old Dec 21, 2010 | 05:18 PM
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Where do you unbolt the converter? Starter hole?
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Old Dec 21, 2010 | 06:26 PM
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I have dropped everything out the bottom on a grand prix before using the same method as I use for Fieros.

Lower the subframe/cradle on the legs of a cherry picker, run a chain through the strut towers, use the ram of the cherry picker to lift the chassis off the engine/tranny/cradle, put the jack stands in place, and then wheel the engine/tranny/cradle combo out from under.

I never took a picture of the grand prix, but have several for the fiero:
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Old Dec 21, 2010 | 07:34 PM
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I was told it would be a royal pain without a lift. How intensive is it to pull from underneath in this manner with the W-body?

I've got a cousin that works at TJs Restored Rides (They've been doing the Caddy conversions on Fieros for years, Greg used to be pretty big on PFF... Cooter something was his user name) here in town. Is it a similar process? I might could get them to walk me through it or help if I get stuck. My worry is removing the CV axles and suspension stuff, is it more complication than it's worth?
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Old Dec 21, 2010 | 10:40 PM
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Maybe with the hood off it's easier.
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