Almost ready to put in the engine...what else to do first?

[Yama-Bro]

Hey guys,

I'm planning to put engine and tranny in my FFR soon. I was wondering if it's possible to install it once and be done, or is it something I'll need to take in and out several times? Seems like I do that for everything on this car. If it can be done in one shot are there any other tasks that must be completed before the engine goes in? One thing I was wondering about are the rivets for the aluminum, I still have those cleco'ed in. Can I get to all of those with the engine in? What about the Forte mechanical throttle linkage? Anything else?

Thanks,

Yama

[JohnK]

It is possible to do it once and be done, but you should have everything in the engine compartment complete beforehand, including power wiring, brake lines, all aluminum panels riveted in place, mechanical throttle linkage, front battery tray (if installing). You can install the radiator later but pretty much everything else will be much harder (or impossible) with the engine in place.

[Rdone585]

If you didn't already consider it, now is the time to consider an access panel in the drivers side footbox. Possible after engine install, but more work and might require special tools you don't already have.
171241

[egchewy79]

Haven't you built one already? I'd make sure you have all the wiring harness through the firewall and engine sided panels riveted. I was able to install my throttle linkage after engine was in and wanted to wait to make sure the location of the pedestals would not interfere with anything. Not sure your header situation, but I was able to get my SBF in with shorty headers installed. Front battery box easier with engine out.
I was able to put the engine in once. If using Harbor Freight hoist, make sure you have a 2ton one. 1ton will not give you enough reach if coming in from the front. ask me how I know.

[Railroad]

I would test fit the headers and make sure the bolt pattern and clearance issues do not exist.