Engine removal from the 818

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Has anybody documented the removal of the engine from the 818? Removing it from the donor was straightforward and installation to the Factory Five frame was easy, but now that the bodywork is on I'm trying to find a way to take my blown engine out without having to take body panels off. I thought the wiring harness was the worst part of the build until I met the bodywork; then I learned what Hell was. Ok, maybe I'm being a little dramatic. The panels aren't perfect but they're as close to it as they'll get with me. I don't want to mess with them if I don't have to. I have a feeling there's no way to get around it but if there's a slim chance that someone else has found a way I figured I would ask.

Thanks!

Ben

Should be able to remove it by taking off the engine cover, trunk, and rear bumper only. Side sails should be able to stay on. Bumper removing should be easy.... not much alignment to deal with in terms of the bumper....

^ +1 for removing the bumper, that will make life much easier.

There are pictures and posts of where the rear fiberglass bumper is removed and they left the side sails. Then they removed the engine. This looks to be the most reasonable way to do it.

I would also believe that there are posts that warn you to use a balance with the engine lift. I would also keep a list of each connection/step of every thing that was disconnected and will need to be reattached.

Use this as an opportunity to document this process.

I know, you're right. I was just hoping to be able to leave the bumper on because I Plasti Dipped right over the seams between the side sails and bumper and I know that separating them is going to cause problems with the finish. Oh well, I should stop trying to weasel out of what I know needs to be done and just go do it!

Yes, you are likely to accidentally damage the bumper if you don't remove it. Try slicing the dip with a razor.

I think you could avoid taking off the bumper if you separate the transmission and pull it separately.

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Originally Posted by Aero STI

I think you could avoid taking off the bumper if you separate the transmission and pull it separately.

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That'd be really nice, then i wouldn't have to mess with draining the transaxle and pulling the half shafts. I don't know if there's enough room to slide the input shaft out of the back of the engine though. I'll keep you guys posted.

I removed bumper and deck lids, and suspension pieces. I couldn't get the axles out if I didn't serverely loosen/remove a few rear suspension pieces. Wasn't an issue to pull at all.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1633/...b26dc22e_c.jpg

In my experience, it was difficult to install/remove the engine and trans as two separated pieces. I'd highly recommend removing them as a unit. Without the trans attached, the engine will want to lean forward on it's mounts, not to mention you'd have to clear the top cross braces, which will be tricky with the trans in place.

I haven't had my engine out yet.
But I've gone through 2 sets of axles and a mt5.
disconnect battery
Remove both engine covers (coupe roof if 818C)
Remove diffuser and engine belly pan
unplug tail lights and remove rear bumper
disconnect most of the suspension at the rear knuckles.
remove half shafts (leak gear oil all over floor)
remove exhaust manifold and up-pipe
remove exhaust
remove shock tower brace
remove shifter cables
disconnect all hoses and wires from engine and transmission.
remove engine and transmission either one at a time or as an assembly.

I had no issue mounting trans to engine in the car.
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Bob

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Originally Posted by Hindsight

Try slicing the dip with a razor.

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This ^^^

hot razor or exacto knife and then go back over it with napatha to lay the edges down on the dip after you make the cut. put on a rubber glove dip it in your thinner (nap) and work from inside out towards the edge to re liquefy it a little and get it to wrap onto the sail and bumper respectively.

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Razor blade worked great, thanks guys.

Good deal! That dip looks good, by the way!

^^^Agreed. I'd like to see some more pictures.

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Originally Posted by Hindsight

Good deal! That dip looks good, by the way!

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I appreciate it. The dip job is far from perfect but for my first one I'm more than happy. The great thing is that now that I have the equipment I can completely change it for about $150 in materials. Unfortunately I don't have a lot of pictures. In fact, I just got around to taking these about half an hour before I blew my engine.

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