Final solution for my steering rack that is MIA. Update Engine is now installed.

[nucjd19]

I have created a new and improved steering rack while I wait on my back ordered steering rack......Not sure it will hold up on an autocross events but should do just fine. LOL! Obviously kidding. Decided to take matters into my own hands so I could get the wheels on hopefully engine installed tomorrow if the stars line up. Any tips you want to give for engine install, I am all ears :)
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=144155&d=1615501985
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=144163&d=1615502088
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=144160&d=1615502043
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=144164&d=1615502099

[David Hodgkins]

The ol' 1/2"x1" steering rod trick!!!

For the engine install if you raise the back some think it helps... I'd also spin the coilovers down so the ride height is higher in the front to make room for the engine hoist. The suspension will settle after the engine is in and you don't want it sitting on the hoist at that point. You have the engine/trans combo fit together I assume? If there is a shifter on the trans, remove it. Also get some moving blankets and drape them over the front where the radiator would be and over the firewall.

TAKE IT SLOW!

Have the engine mounts loosely attached to the block - you may have to finesse them into the chassis mounts.

This is a two man job. One guy usually watches from the cockpit and puts downward pressure on the trans to guide it into the tunnel while the other guy works the hoist functions.

TAKE IT SLOW!

Done deliberately and with caution. This should be a relative non-event. Once you get the hang of it, getting a motor in and out of the chassis can become relatively trivial.

Good luck!!

:)

[GoDadGo]

Now That's Funny!

[nucjd19]

Thanks for the tips David!! I will have a couple of folks helping me tomorrow so hoping it goes smooth. The coil overs adjustment is great advice. I did not think about that. And yes it is an engine trans combo so there is quite a bit of mass hanging on the hoist. Going to take it slow.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Headers off, mounts on, transmission A frame out. An engine leveler is invaluable. Set the chassis with the rear as high as possible and the front low, just high enough for the hoist legs to pass under.

Approach from the front with the assembly level:
http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj43/jkleiner/Mk4%207276/100_1942.jpg

Once you get above the X member adjust the leveler so that the tail is pointing down:

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

As you get the end of the trans stabbed into the tunnel you'll start a 3 way manipulation of lowering the assembly, adjusting back towards level and moving it rearwards. Repeat the lower, level, move routine until you drop the engine mounts into their place on the chassis. At that point use a jack to raise the trans high enough to put the A frame in place and then lower it so that the trans mount is in place.

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

Using the leveler it's a 10 minute job working alone. Really!

Good luck :)

Jeff

[nucjd19]

Huge Thank you Jeff!!!!! I see you have jack stands in the back. What is holding up the front? Are they wood chocks?

[Jeff Kleiner]

Yes!

Jeff

[nucjd19]

Oh! Great idea to help keep the area clear of obstructions for the hoist! Gonna go look around the farm for spare wood....

[richtersand]

Huge milestone!! Best of luck. I’m sure it’ll be great.

[JB in NOVA]

Good luck! The engine install was one of the best days of my build -- glad you'll have several pairs of hands to help out. Make sure to have cold beer ready for afterwards.

[GoDadGo]

In addition to raising the rear of the car, make sure you have an engine leveler.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/trd-9099

Having one really makes a difference whether the engine is going in or getting pulled out.

https://youtu.be/Vhbftk4AP4k

Good Luck & Watch Your Pinkies Doc!

[phileas_fogg]

Test fit the transmission's A-frame before you get anything in the air. Mine needed a little touchup with the grinding wheel to get the forward legs to fit properly.


John

[CraigS]

Use an engine levelor and grease the heck out of the threads and bushings w/ bearing grease.
https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/autocraft-1-500-lb-engine-leveler-ac932/9040153-p?c3ch=PLA&c3nid=9040153-P&adtype=&product_channel=Online&store_code=&gclid=79298e5c6d6e1cf5d2c3ee171ca753b4&gclsrc=3p.ds&msclkid=79298e5c6d6e1cf5d2c3ee171ca753b4&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=b_lia_all_jacks%2Fand%2Flifts_jacks%2 Fand%2Flift%2Fequipment_gen_gen_all_pros_aap_us_al l&utm_term=4581046485351189&utm_content=Bing_LIA_Jacks%20And%20Lifts_Jacks%20A nd%20Lift%20Equipment_Specialty%20Jacks
This way you have infinitely fine angle adjustment and it can be a one man job. The last one I helped on I found that I could put the rear A-frame tabs on top of the chassis tabs, drop the bolts through, and then easily push up on the front ends and install bolts and nuts w/ the A-frame tabs under the chassis tabs.

[nucjd19]

Thank you for the tips guys!!! I have the trans frame installed and an engine leveler which is greased thanks to y'all's recommendation. I am waiting on my bro to show up and see if the wind is right.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Thank you for the tips guys!!! I have the trans frame installed and an engine leveler which is greased thanks to y'all's recommendation. I am waiting on my bro to show up and see if the wind is right.

I recommend leaving it out but feel free to give it a go with it installed. Easy enough to remove if it's in your way.

Jeff

[nucjd19]

Whelp.... She's in thanks to the engine install fairy ( my Bro who is in the picture ) :) It took about 45minutes rather than 15 because like Jeff said. It was a dance to sneak it between the trans frame with with the transmission mount on but it went on in.Otherwise I followed Jeff and David's instructions. Huge thank you gentlemen! Just went SLOOOOOWWWWW.......Then I stared at it for quite some time. I bought the valve covers and air filter from Fman who had an extra set and I love the looks.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=144207&d=1615589092
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=144208&d=1615589106
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=144209&d=1615589123
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=144210&d=1615589159
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=144217&d=1615603324https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=144211&d=1615589173

[hineas]

Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!

That is a huge milestone. This valve covers and air filter look awesome.

[nucjd19]

Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!

That is a huge milestone. This valve covers and air filter look awesome.

Thanks hineas! I have Fman to give the credit to. He had an extra set I was able to score :) I just kept walking around it and staring. It has been so much fun up to this point. A very special journey for sure :)

[GoDadGo]

Congratulations!

It's a huge milestone and a big freaking deal!

[nucjd19]

Congratulations!

It's a huge milestone and a big freaking deal!

Thank you Steve! Folks like you on this site are an inspiration to me.

[olson_adam]

Nice work!!