Engine Install Tips

[John4337]

Hi All,


The day is here, my Forte built 306 is here :)
I'm building a Mk4 complete, and I've pretty much followed the manual, except no aluminum but the inside foot box panels and the cut firewall for the North Racecars A/C. The brakes are in an bled (thanks Mark) and the fuel lines are run under, but not into the bay yet. My question to the group is, are there any 'gotchas' that I should take care of before we drop it in?

Heres a pic still in the crate (cut me some slack, it only got here today). Its a straight 306 with Powerjection iii and a T-5

Thanks all

John

3570

[jlfernan]

Trans attached to engine. Raise the rear of the car to make insertion easier. An engine leveler helps, but not neccesary. A piece of carpet or thick blanket to protect the firewall. Take a deep breath and take your time.


http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/5961/4806124809.jpg

http://img851.imageshack.us/img851/9124/jorge.jpg (http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/private.php?do=newpm&u=111)

[riptide motorsport]

Is your body on or off?

[John4337]

The body is off. Basically just the suspension and what I mentioned in the thread. Just wondering if there's anything I should take care of that may not be mentioned in the manual, or that the group found later that would have been easier/better/faster, etc.

[edwardb]

Even though the 302 and T5 aren't too heavy, suggest using a leveler on the engine lift. Makes it really controllable to angle into place. Also suggest having the engine mount bolts to the block slightly loose. Makes it easier to get the mounts to drop into the frame. Mine had to be rocked back and forth to drop in. Tighten them up in place. One other suggestion: Before taking the hoist away, mount your headers and check your side pipe alignment if possible. You may find the engine needs to be adjusted to get the best alignment. I ended up lifting the engine back out slightly and using a die grinder to lengthen one of the slots in the chassis mount in order to rotate the engine a little. Improved my side pipe alignment significantly.

[riptide motorsport]

Pretty much what Edward said, he's spot on. you should be fine, extra set of hands is nice but take your time and you'll be fine...Steven

[jlfernan]

I have the TKO600 and needed the spacers from Forte to keep the trans off the rear cross tube, not sure if the T5 will have the same issue, but it's worth checking before you button everything up.


http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/2561/jorgec.jpg (http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/private.php?do=newpm&u=111)

[Jeff Kleiner]

I have not found trans mount spacers necessary when using a T5. I like to get all wiring run prior to engine install but that is really builder's choice. As has been mentioned get the chassis as high as is practical (make sure your jackstand placement won't interfere with the hoist legs as you roll it into position) with the rear higher. An engine leveler makes it much easier and turns it into a 10 minute one man job.

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj43/jkleiner/Mk4%207276/100_1942.jpg

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj43/jkleiner/Mk4%207276/100_1943.jpg

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj43/jkleiner/Mk4%207276/100_1948.jpg

Good luck!

Jeff

[Ray]

Here is how they did it in the 'olden days'

Ray3571

[Todd Buttrick]

^^ That's great stuff. Classic.

[riptide motorsport]

that picture is so cool!! I'd like to have that on my wall.

[John4337]

That old pic is cool, a poster would be great. Almost looks like factory five boxes in the car. Is the remote oil filter a necessity with the small block, or just easier?

[Jeff Kleiner]

Is the remote oil filter a necessity with the small block, or just easier?

It is not needed if you are using the 4 into 4 headers. It has been known to be problematic (leaks) so I'd avoid using it if you don't have to. For those running shorty headers with cats or J pipes a 90 degree adaptor from an Explorer or aftermarket allows the filter to clear while staying on the block.

Cheers,
Jeff

[Ray]

that picture is so cool!! I'd like to have that on my wall.

You can buy that image here (http://www.garagescenes.com/thumb.php?pageno=3&q=All&cat=10&type=mural) It's a wall sized mural and they have a BUNCH of stuff. You'll spend a day or two just going through it all and then decide that you will need a larger shop for all the art you want to buy.

Ray

PS: This is not my company. I'm just a drooling future customer.

[John4337]

Thanks to all for the advice and encouragement, it went in in about an hour.

John

[Gumball]

Here is how they did it in the 'olden days'

Ray3571

Those look like the Factory Five boxes in my garage! Ahhh....., the more things change, the more they stay the same.

[Sailor]

Now there's some "enginuity" :D



Here is how they did it in the 'olden days'

Ray3571

[Snakely]

Two drums and a cymbal fall off a cliff.



(Ba-dum-tshh!)

[Bill_VA]

Is it best to attach the chains to the header bolts or the intake bolts?

[J.D.]

I used accessory bolt holes on opposite ends of either head when i pulled my donor engine. They are larger diameter than the intake or header bolts, if I remember correctly.

[edwardb]

I used accessory bolt holes on opposite ends of either head when i pulled my donor engine. They are larger diameter than the intake or header bolts, if I remember correctly.

If using a leveler, use the accessory bolts on the heads. Much larger than either the header or intake bolts. Just put a towel, shop cloth, rag, whatever between the chains and head so you don't scratch it up.

If not using a leveler, I found an engine lift plate on the carb mount works really well. $15 at Summit. For my SBF and T5z, the center hole balanced just about right, and it was an easy install. Just a little push down on the bell housing to get under the firewall.

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab234/edwardb123/Factory%20Five%20Mark%203%20Roadster%20Build/Engine/th_IMG_1042.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/albums/ab234/edwardb123/Factory%20Five%20Mark%203%20Roadster%20Build/Engine/?action=view&current=IMG_1042.jpg)

[Jeff Kleiner]

As you can see by my photos in post #8 my preference is the header bolts. They are larger and will be in shear rather than tension. Actually I have cut pieces of 2X3 rectangular tubing and bolt them tight to the cylinder heads then hook the chains through them on all 4 corners.

Jeff