Today is finally here, the day I finally get to take my LT1 out! Since Ive never used a cherry picker before I figured i better ask before I break ****. What is the best way to attach the chains to the engine with the heads still on? Also, how many bell housing bolts are there on the top/bottom?

 

i guess there are 6 bolts (3 on each side,right and left of the bell house) and 2 dowel pins

 

Dowel pins? where are those located?

 

the pins hold the bellhousing to the engine .. you dont take those out. it just holds it there.. and you can pick the engine up from the heads but dont leave it over night hanging from them....

 

Why dont you drop it out of the bottom

 

i was about to ask the same Q, but didnt want to start a thread war lol

 

im going to drop mine out the bottom soon. ive never done it before does anyone have some pointers?

 

http://www.michiganspeed.com/enginepull/index.html

 

Better plan an extra 2-3 hours more than what you think it will take, especially if the engine has never been out before. These cars are starting to get some age on them and rusty bolts and nuts can be a real bitch to work with! Might wanna grab a couple of your preferred alcoholic beverage to assist you too! Lol

 

I used this method and it worked great, my car is a 97 so I was not able to loop the chain through the frame horns and I did not like the idea of using rad support so I had the car on jackstands in the front, popped the k member and struts loose, lowered the assembly with a jack then used a chain between the strut towers and lifted the car the rest of the way.

 

I used to be PRO-out the top but now that I've done it out the bottom Ill never do the top again. If you have a picker, tow straps and a dolly for the engine then do the bottom. It will take you 4hrs maybe.

 

out bottom ftw...

 

Agreed on bottom. Less time and headache

 

I have done this both ways, and if the heads have to come off anyway, I would much rather pull it out the top! I know this is not the preferred or favorite method, but it is my opinion. And yes I have full capabilities, room, and tools to do it both ways.