engine install question

[ben1272]

I'm hoping to solicit some opinions about my order of operations. My engine is stock, as removed from WRX, belt/water pump were already done. The turbo has one of its mounting holes cracked off, but it seemed to be running OK when I shut it off for the last time before removal. Do you all think I will be alright dealing with the turbo after the engine is installed since it is fairly accessible? I was thinking that I should not change much of anything on the engine and get it back to running on dieted harness, new plumbing, etc., and then deal with turbo and other upgrades. It feels like I could spend forever cleaning and replacing and upgrading and rebuilding.....I will feel much better when there is an operational vehicle in front of me! I am right thinking that pulling body panels and even pulling the engine is not overly difficult? I figure get it running, shake it out a bit next summer, and then be ready to pull engine/tran over next winter to deal with anything that needs dealing with.

Sorry kind of rambly.....I'd appreciate some opinions.

-Ben

[wallace18]

Turbo is easy to get to in the 818.

[Bob_n_Cincy]

Ben
That is the same engine plan as I used. Belts, oil change, and water pump is the only PM I did. Once it was in the car, I clocked my turbo. It is a easier if the right side sail isn't on. but not necessary.
I did remove the exhaust manifold and up pipe to get it in the car.
Put some better engine and transmission mounts on before installing. I changed mine with the engine in the car.
Bob

[AZPete]

Ben, I did exactly the same as Bob except clocking the turbo. I also installed upgraded motor mounts after the engine was in, so do that before. And, if you want to add a rear wall to the rear firewall (between engine and firewall) add it before the engine install. I'm doing the same start-stock-upgrade-later plan. Now I'm running and refining but planning upgrades.

[bbjones121]

Definitely good idea. Get a running car as quickly as possible or else you may fall into the abyss of demotivation and have a project sitting unfinished for a long time.

[bbjones121]

I went stock option first as well, but started getting too far into the little things I could have done later. I am finally pulling myself out of the abyss with the help of some good friends the last couple of weekends.

[ben1272]

I can see the risk of the 'falling into the abyss of demotivation'! I definitely dont want to do that. I am going to charge ahead and get it running asap....if I move I might have it in go-kart shape before snow flies! Thanks for the input....I have ordered group N engine mounts and will put these on and drop in motor/tranny. I have new stock tranny mount....hope it is OK for my mostly street use.

Thanks everyone!

[bimmerbill]

I think I am at this stage now. Should I put the transmission on the engine prior to installing into the frame?

[STiPWRD]

I think I am at this stage now. Should I put the transmission on the engine prior to installing into the frame?
Yes. I installed my engine without the trans attached and after doing it that way, I wish I had done it with the trans. The issue is that the engine will want to lean forward on the two engine mounts. It's much more balanced and easier to maneuver with the trans on the back. Otherwise you will have to rig up a way to brace the top of the engine from leaning forward. I chipped some of my powder coat on the top frame trying to do this.

[ben1272]

If I were to mount the engine again, I would probably take off the exhaust. Also, I failed to remove the coolant tank that is mounted on the engine and it made it very difficult to negotiate frame tubes. I scratched some tubes as a result. Should have covered frame with heavy cardboard, etc. Don't have to remove completely, I just unbolted it and moved it clear of the tubes......but is easy to completely remove.

My transaxle was attached, so cant give you an opinion there. It went in OK, all things considered.

One more thing....protect the frame around the engine mounts and tranny mount.....studs can make nasty scratches in the frame that can be easily prevented with some heavy cardboard shields.

Good luck! It is a nice sight once the engine is sitting in the frame! :)

-Ben

[bimmerbill]

My engine is stripped all the way down to just the block and heads, and oil pan. Just had it regasketed and sealed. Will stick the new clutch on it, bolt up trans, and hope to get it in the frame this weekend!

[Mitch Wright]

Removed the header and turbo intake tube and it set right in with the trans attached.

[Zach34]

Definitely install the transmission to the motor before dropping it in the frame.

If you have the option, I highly recommend doing this:

50131

Look closely at the tubes above the engine. I made them bolt-in so they can be removed for engine installation. Makes it SO much easier to drop the engine in place. It's a very tight fit under those bars.

[bimmerbill]

Cool, thanks for idea!