Question for any back yard mechanics out there. I want to learn how to pull an engine out and replace / rebuild it. Any suggestions how to go about doing this? I was debating either geting a small 4-cylinder from pick-a-part and taking it apart to figure it all out. Or just getting a crappy 3-500 dollar car and pulling the engine out myself.
Thoughts / suggestions?
-ratchet
[quote]Ratchet wrote:
Question for any back yard mechanics out there. I want to learn how to pull an engine out and replace / rebuild it. Any suggestions how to go about doing this? I was debating either geting a small 4-cylinder from pick-a-part and taking it apart to figure it all out. Or just getting a crappy 3-500 dollar car and pulling the engine out myself.
Thoughts / suggestions?
-ratchet[/quote]
I’d find a car your actually interested in, old camaro, mustang, something like that. Then after your done you can sell it if you want. Anyway, you have the tools for this? You’ll need an engine jack and some basic wrenches as a minimum. And watch out on flywheel bolts, you’ll strip them immediately with normal wrenches.
do you know anyone that could assist you, at least if you run into questions on the way?
See if you can just get an engine if you’re curious about how they work. You can buy a car if you like, but know that the process to get the engine out varies greatly depending on the vehicle. You would be well served in getting an engine stand as well, because it’s going to seriously suck ass working on a work bench.
I don’t have much to offer in advice just that I would love to do this too. I just wish I had the space to do it.
Yea man tyrant is right. Dude there Is a lot of work taking amotor out if u have never done it. I Had 4 mustangs and some Hondas that I completely took apart and but it back together and I’m only 22… U need the right tools and it is nothing but a money PIT!!! So think about what u whanna do with the car and if u have the time, money and space to put the car. If u have any questions let me know.
That would depend.
You can buy a car with a blown engine disconnect all parts replace with same model engine from a junkyard.
or buy a car pull engine out take it apart repair replace or machine all worn out parts, then reassemble and reinstall. This takes considerably more time tools and patience.
If your interested in just the engine pick an older car you like, buy a blown or junkyard motor rebuild it, then buy that style car with a bad motor and replace. You could probably flip the car this way and make some money on the deal.
Pulling one out and installing is really no big deal. But than again Iâ??ve done it for 32 years. If you’ve never removed one be prepared for some damage to your hands and knuckles. Also being new at it I would suggest some digital pictures as you remove parts and wiring. You will be thankful of them by the time you get to the reinstall for you will most definitely forget how things belong.
It would also be smart on your part to put any bolts, nuts, clips, etc removed into zip lock bags and label them with a sharpie so that there is no doubt where they belong. As far as basic tools buy quality. The extra cost will pay in the long run with less head aches and rounding of hardware. Use six point every chance you get.
On the actual rebuild of the engine any “shade tree mechanic” can do it just not properly. Pay attention to the details of torque, tolerance, and clearance. Find a quality machine shop for any machine work. Buy a dealer service manual and proper measurement equipment. Take your time itâ??s not a race.
Any questions ask. My shop builds everything from tractor pulling engines to high performance imports. Good luck.
Find an good old Chevy 350. Look on craigslist. You can probably get an old beater for cheap. Those things will give you the most bang for your buck. They are simple V8’s, parts are extremely common, and once you build it up you can drop it in damn near any car you want. Or you could go with a 305. People call them boat anchors but I personally think they are great engines. They are cheap because no one wants them, but if you do a little work to them they can be just as good as a 350.
Thanks everyone for the advice! I eventually want to build an IrocZ (I love the way they look) so the comment about getting the motor first is probably what I will do. I have an engine stand already and as I have needed tools to fix my camaro I have always bought nice snap on gear or other quality stuff.
Thanks guys! and I’ll keep ya posted if I run into any snags.
You should definitely check out ls1tech.
I’m really surprized that no said “beater and a Haynes manual.” I’m a fairly decent shade tree mechanic, and that’s how I learned.
If you really want to learn some useful stuff, rebuild some transmissions. Anyone can do a motor, but when was the last time someone did anything more than replace a clutch?
Also, I’d reccomend either an old sport car or truck. I don’t know if you’re only interested in engines, but with those you have the option of learning transmissions and differentials, too.
yea the Haynes manual is a very good idea to look into. You should learn all the parts on the car and have a understanding of what they do and how they work… Thats a good way to start off before u even touch the car… my first mustang was a 87 and parts for that car were cheap. the iroc are really cheap and u can get used parts are easy to find…
I suggest buying something pre-1984. Emission controls and blue book values pretty much cut off at 1984, so this will make it much easier to work on and register later. All the emission crap just clutters up the engine compartment anyways.