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Go Back   Corvette Action Center > 1968 - 1982 Corvettes > C3 General Discussion > L81 Vette Registry Forum


L81 Vette Registry Forum For L81 Vette Registry members. All 1981 owners are welcome!

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Old 11-29-06, 03:57 PM   #1 (permalink)
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Default Engine removal

Hello Folks

I am about ready to remove my baby's engine so I can replace the front seal in the transmission and detail the engine comparment. Does anybody have any words of advice, tips and/or tricks that would make this experience more enjoyable?

Thanks

Dave
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Old 11-29-06, 04:15 PM   #2 (permalink)
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If you can remove the engine and tranny together: you"ll have to remove the front left or right side tire to fit most engine floor cranes: take pictures of everything before starting: label every part hardware (sandwich bags work good).

GerryLP
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Old 11-29-06, 04:43 PM   #3 (permalink)
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I take this is an automatic transmission, I pulled the transmission off first and then pulled the engine. I also detailed my engine compartment. I did everything by myself, so I knew there is alot of trouble getting the radiator and shroud back in a 76 in without damaging anything. I put the new alum radiator in, put the shroud in which was still a pain because of getting the shroud to clear the passenger side upper a-arm(which i took off to ease the installation). with the condensor installed, I dropped the engine in then. I had no problem dropping it in by myself with the radiator in place. Then I brought the transmission in from underneath, again by myself without a trans jack, just a large floor jack. No problem, had everything clean and bolt holes tapped out so everything went together easy. I know it took more time and effort, but I wanted to do it myself. I am now rebuilding the power steering ram and power valve, and detailing the tie rod sleeves and ends. New headers added to the clean looks of the detailed engine compartment as well as a new dual 2 1/2 exhaust system. Interior has been detailed including repainting of the center consoles and guage console.
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Old 11-30-06, 06:58 PM   #4 (permalink)
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Thanks for the advice, Gerry I can only assume that you have to pull the radiator to remove the tranny with the engine?
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Old 12-01-06, 12:46 AM   #5 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by schweng18 View Post
Thanks for the advice, Gerry I can only assume that you have to pull the radiator to remove the tranny with the engine?
Yeah, I removed mine to just remove that fan shroud which is annoying as hell when working there. Remove the fan (store fan and clutch with water pump side on top of a bench or other surface to avoid liquid leak from the clutch). Then remove the radiator, and then the shroud.

I actually did everything in about 2 1/2 - 3 hours, but I did not take as many pictures as I should have. Attach the chains to the head accessory bolt holes, and use grade 8 bolts (Home Depot have them). Once out, I used a tranny jack for separating the tranny from the engine. Then I basically disassembled the engine external parts until I could attach it to the engine stand (again, grade 8 bolts).

During the entire rebuild, I tried to not rush anything, and basically told myself that it was therapy. In that respect it was very helpful. For example, on a Friday night, I would pop a beer open and just remove the next component until I felt like stopping for the night. It takes a long time, but it is good wrenching.

GerryLP
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Old 12-04-06, 11:24 AM   #6 (permalink)
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The engine and transmission are out! Thanks for the tips and advice.

On a side note, I am wondering if there is a aftermarket header made that will fit the original exhaust scheme.
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Old 12-04-06, 12:23 PM   #7 (permalink)
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This would be a good time to put in dual exhaust.
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Old 12-04-06, 01:16 PM   #8 (permalink)
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I agree, the problem I have is that nobody here will install one because of the emmision control
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Old 12-04-06, 01:27 PM   #9 (permalink)
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What are you going to need to pass emmision inspection??, I know they can put o2 sensors in headers, any thing else neede?? A good exhaust company should be able to conect to existing exhaust.
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Old 12-04-06, 04:15 PM   #10 (permalink)
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Quote:
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What are you going to need to pass emmision inspection??, I know they can put o2 sensors in headers, any thing else neede?? A good exhaust company should be able to conect to existing exhaust.
Guys...... back "in the day" I had my full length Black Jack headers tapped and welded the plug for the O2 sensor on the left lower collector. It will work fine. The headers made a big difference in the performance (and sound).

........ nut
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Old 12-04-06, 07:03 PM   #11 (permalink)
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I don't need to pass an emmision inspection here in ND, but by law the exhaust companys aren't allowed to work on emmision controlled vehicles without a catalytic convertor or remove the convertor.
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Old 12-09-06, 09:05 AM   #12 (permalink)
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I don't need to pass an emmision inspection here in ND, but by law the exhaust companys aren't allowed to work on emmision controlled vehicles without a catalytic convertor or remove the convertor.
MD is the same way however, I had a shop recommended to me that said they be happy to do whatever I wanted if the car came to them and the converter just "happened" to have fallen off along the way.

Good luck............. nut
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Old 12-10-06, 03:34 AM   #13 (permalink)
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Don't you just hate it when emissions junk just falls off of your car for no good reason?
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Old 12-10-06, 12:46 PM   #14 (permalink)
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I'll have to see if I can get a recommendation like that here. Thanks great idea!
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Old 12-13-06, 11:00 PM   #15 (permalink)
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I'll have to see if I can get a recommendation like that here. Thanks great idea!
Does anyone know how the engine will run or what will happen if I remove all of the emission controls, EGR, vacuum pump, etc.?
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