The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Splitting engine, clutch and transmission

I am about to pull a V8 someone else installed in my '58 Chevy Stepside. It is mounted to a standard 3 speed.

1. Should I pull eng., clutch/bell housing and trans as a single unit then seperate engine from clutch & trans?

2. What should I be aware of when seperating engine from clutch/bell housing?

3. What should I be aware of when seperating clutch/bell housing from trans?

This is new to me but not afraid to ask questions and get dirty?

PS Removing V8 to returin to 235 6.

First of all, what are your intentions? are you going to put that engine/tranny back in?Are you going with another set-up?
Second what implements of destruction(TOOLS)do you have to do the job?
If you have the correct tools (engine hoist and hand tools)to pull the unit, you can pull the whole unit(engine trans)and it will be fine.
The clutch will be attached to the engine when you separate them at the engine/bell housing.the tranny will slide out the the bell housing with very little work(4 bolts to bell housing,2 bolts at mount,shifter linkage,speedo cable and driveline(may leak some gear oilwhen pulling the driveline out of tranny).
I will come to pick it up when you have it out!

a couple of things come to mind. through the years things get cnanged around--all bets are off if the bellhousing is aluminun----in that case pull the tranny first. remember to replace the rear mount, pilot bearing, throw out bearing, clutch disc, and pressure plate before reinstall. i usually replace input shaft bearings and trans seals as lnong as the trans is out. this sounds like alot, but it really isn't, work or money wise. it is SO much easier to change while it's out than after it's put back in, and of course, stuff always breaks on sunday night when you are away from home. best of luck with your project, lot's of guys here like to help.

Clearification of my objectives:

1. Replace non-stock V8 (350) with original inline 6.
2. Retain stock 3 speed transmission

Tools:

Floor jack, jack stands, air, hand tools and engine stand. Plan to rent engine lift.

Plan of attack:

Since I need to install a complete new wiring harness, plus fenders, engine compartment, grill, etc. need to be painted, would it be just as simple to remove them and radiator before pulling engine?

I have already agreed with another stovebolter to swap my V8 for his inline 6. The swap will keep the CEO's of the homesteads happy.

If you are planning to pull all the nose sheet metal anyway, make it easy on yourself and do it now. The engine will be much easier to remove if it just has to come out, not up and out..

Put the inline six back in before you replace the sheet metal. I have done it both ways, installing a motor without having to worry about banging up the fenders, inner fenders, grill , etc is much easier..

Thanks Bill M. I am new at restorations and you confirmed my thinking. Your advice supports my belief in the KISS theory, Keep it Simple, STUIPD. Isn't is amazing how we try to complicat so many things in life!

One more thing. How high is your ceiling? Usually need at least 9 feet to pull engine with tranny attached.

Here are a couple things more you will want to look at to see if you need to change them.
1.On the radiator ,look an see when the in and out ports are on it,(where the hoses hook on it). Some times they are on the wrong side and you may need to get it switched at a radiator shop or replace the radiator.
2. The exgaust will more than likely be different
3.The wireing may also be different.But will probably be able to use it in same application but not all connection will be used.
Good luck with your project. And the people here are more than willing to give you their opinion and advise so ask away if you get stumped.
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37 Chevy 1/2 Ton

JD Bob, think of this as you would gutting a 4440 power shift. It is a lot easier without the cab in the way, or in this case the front tinwork. I would advise pulling the hood, and inner and outer fenders. This would be much easier than having to work around all that stuff.