Solo Engine Swap

[moparmaniac59]

I know a lot of guys do car projects ala solo. But I was just curious on how many of you folks out there have done a complete engine swap out by yourself?? It's a lot harder getting one in than it is taking one out. And I know some of you folks have some awesome garages and equipment which can make things greatly easier, but I just got my butt whupped doing an engine swap. I got the motor in and on the mounts, but had various annoying setbacks like having to notch out the K-frame for my external oil system. The fun part is going to be trying to set the timing and put the hood back on by me lonesome!! :22yikes:It's been a long hot day!! Anybody else try this by their lonesome?? :dunno:I know I am a little stupid, but I do like the quiet sometimes with nobody to bother me!!

                                           Matt B.

[422STROKER]

I did it last year but the SB was cake compared to that BB, never mind you have a steel hood too!  Be careful!, maybe you can rig something up with the engine crane for the hood.

Tom

[bb71challenger]

I changed engines so many times that I didnt even need help with the hood. I would unbolt it and carefully let it down on the hood latch panel and then pick it up and carry it to the side of the garage. Beer and good music help pass the time. I went from 318 to another 318 to a 383 in less than 6 months once. I miss that 383   

I have never tried it by myself with good paint though and would not do it that way with the fresh paint on my car now. Other than that make sure to double block everything and keep a cell phone within reach at all times.
I had a steel flat hood on it then too. Put it back on myself also although its kinda hairy setting it down on the hinges, gotta make sure it will not fall off while you get a bolt started. Once you get a bolt started on each side you just lift up and start a second bolt on one side. It will keep the hood up while you go around and start the other bolt. Marking the hinges before taking it off helps a great deal.

[moparmaniac59]

Our local Nothern Tool has a bin with the moving blankets on sale for around $5.00 bucks. They work great for saving the new paint!! Oh, and the Doug's big block (2" primaries) ceramic coated headers fit AWESOME!! No problems. I know some folks had asked about Doug's headers for the big blocks. I'll post up some pics later. They are really sweet. A much better fit than the Hooker Super Comps and better accesss to the bolts and spark plugs!!

                                              Matt B.

[moparniac]

you can do timing easy by yourself.....  the flaming river 1 wire timing lite is a great peice with a great price...

[moparmaniac59]

I've got a bored 16 year old daughter. 'Bout time she learned something out about cars!! And cheaper than hired help!!



                                            Matt B.

[bb71challenger]

I've got a bored 16 year old daughter. 'Bout time she learned something out about cars!! And cheaper than hired help!!



                                            Matt B.

Exactly! I have a 15 year old daughter and a 14 year old son that will help when I am installing stuff now. If anything else its good just to have someone else there. My daughter just finished her first year of collision repair and got accepted for the sophmore class. He is pretty picky so she must be showing good potential. Heck maybe she can teach me to paint a car someday    I think it will be good for you and your daughter to spend time together. After all the griping dies down I bet she will get a kick out of it.

[wagesofsin]

ive done just about anything you can to a car solo.

i know that didnt sound right!   

[bb71challenger]

^   

[ChallengerGary]

Trying to remember the last time I had help is a better question for me.  I've probably swapped at least a dozen engines over the past few years.  Never had one bit of help.  Last one I pulled took about 2 hours flying solo from the time I pulled it into the shop to the time I cleaned up the mess...

The worst for doing these things solo are Challengers - those hoods weigh a bloody ton!  I've even done a couple of Challenger engine swaps without removing the hood 

[Moparal]

I do it by myself most all the time. I dont even remove the hood

[quapman]

Trying to remember the last time I had help is a better question for me. 

   Back when I used to have help, it usually wasn't helpful anyway. I'd end up with a pinched finger or a dinged-up panel thanks to a novice not knowing what "STOP!" means.

[cudax34me]

I do it by myself most all the time. I dont even remove the hood

what do you do all?drop em out the bottom? is that easier?

[ChallengerGary]

what do you do all?drop em out the bottom? is that easier?

I don't have a lift anymore, so I remove the front hinge bolt and loosen up the back hinge bolt.  Then use a prop rod to open the hood as far as it'll go.  Oh yeah, also remove the safety catch - those things friggin' hurt

[Moparal]

No, out the top. I dont have the carb or exhaust on. It comes right out, even with the tranny.  It all clears with the stock pans, but not a deep pan without undoing 2 of the 4 bolts on the hood.  I thought everyone did that now adays. I have done a dozen e and b bodies this way or more.  Did my present car this way to. I use a floor jack on the trans tail shaft to lift it up as I go in. It just slides right in there. From the bottom is even easier, but im lazy