Fitting the engine and box!

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Thu Jul 15, 04 10:32 pm

Hi guys, just before I fit the engine and box, any tips?
Its a 70 charger 440 and auto trans.
Is it worth and will it fit if I fit the engine and box together before sticking it in?
Could the headers be fitted along withe the starter?
Thanks guys

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Fri Jul 16, 04 1:07 am

I dont have headers so not sure about those, but swings and roundabouts really on whether to put box in with engine. Luckily those gearboxes arent TOO heavy to lift in from underneath.

Engine in first install

protect the firewall because when you drop the engine on the mounts it will want to fall backwards into the firewall, denting it or damaging engine, so devise a cunning support with wood, cloths and stuff. You want it tilting back a bit to make gearbox go on easier. make sure torque converter is properly engaged in trans before tying to install it, and make very sure not to let the TC fall out when you lift it in. A trolley jack and a piece of MDF make a reasonable gearbox jack.

Engine in with gearbox install

jack the REAR of the car up as HIGH as you can get it, this makes the rad panel lower, and makes the tunnel higher, perfect angle.

wrap blanket or cardboard etc around top of gearbox to stop it scratching the tunnel

try to borrow an adjustble thingy to change angle of engine while suspended as u need it at shallow angle to clear rad panel, and steep angle to get the box under the tunnel.

Bribe your mates with offer of beer to come and lend a hand.

When the engine is in, it is customary to run it up once without the exhausts connected. This is becuase it will sound bloody awesome.

good luck!

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Fri Jul 16, 04 7:44 am

Thanks Will,
Car is jacked up high at the moment so going the engine and box install.
I will let you know over the weekend!!

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Tue Jul 20, 04 9:10 pm

Hiya,
well it would have been in by tonight except for the rain!!!
It was going in on sunday except I could not find the four bolts that hold the flexiplate in place.
That is exactly what I thought about the starter!!!
Thanks for that guys, pray for good weather now!!!!

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Thu Jul 22, 04 12:00 am

Time 11.40pm ITS IN!!!
Finally the engine and gearbox are in the car.
We also got the brakes working except for a bit of caliper repair.
Hope to have her running by sunday evening.
Back to the bodywork for now though, boring......

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Mon Jul 26, 04 6:24 pm

Engine and box out again!!!
Well not entirely out, wish I had put the other header on before installing the engine, struggled with the passenger header and now need to paint under there again!! I was not amused!!!
Then the wiper motor dropped behind the engine on the gearbox!!Oh well its all fun $\:D/$
Anyway, engine back in tonight with the new shifter in place so thats a start.
Plenty more to do!!!

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Mon Jul 26, 04 11:13 pm

Thats right! oh and you forgot the best one!
Must like using spanners but only in confined spaces that you usually cannot reach!
Oh and..
Be able to tolerate so-called friends who enjoy pointing out the rust when you KNOW all ready!
Sorry, got it on me tonight!
I have taken next week off work to sort out the car, Hopefully it will be ready for the Billing show or when Santa pops round.

Oh I will get me coat, bah humbug...
It WILL be sorted! one day

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Tue Jul 27, 04 7:36 pm

Mogwai. about the rust. Its like when your mates say, 'well, youve spent THAT much money so you just Have to keep on with the project!' Sort of worked that one out without help from anyone else, thank you!