Installing engine and transmission question?

[750-h2]

Soon I will be ready to install the 440 six pac engine and auto transmission in my 1970 Challenger. The car has undergone and extensive rotisserie restoration and is already painted, buffed and assembled. What I am wondering is what would be the best way to install the powertrain. Should it go in all at once or should I first install the engine and then the transmission. In my case dropping the body on the k frame/engine is not an option.
 I have a second question. My six pac Challenger is an earlier production car and came with the factory aluminum intake. Do you guys think that the aluminum is strong enough to bolt a four hole engine plate to it to lift the engine and transmission together. My other option is to custom build a plate that would use all 12 holes on the intake. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!

[anlauto]

In my case dropping the body on the k frame/engine is not an option.
 

Why not ? Please explain further....

[750-h2]

I guess there is no reason other than we have never done it. Would I just need an engine hoist? Also the fenders are on the car which I do not want to remove. Can I still lift the car without removing the fenders?  Thanks

[67vertman]

I guess there is no reason other than we have never done it. Would I just need an engine hoist? Also the fenders are on the car which I do not want to remove. Can I still lift the car without removing the fenders?  Thanks

Yes you can.  That is the way I installed my engine and trans.  It is also the way they did it from the factory. least amount of chance for damage to painted parts IMO! 

I cannot get to my Photo Bucket account here at work, but I will post pictures later today.

[anlauto]

Oh...I'm so glad you asked...
I restore cars for a living....way back in 1993 I decided to give it a try with simple tools ...no hoist.

Here's what I've come up with. You'll need to do three things.
Build a makeshift cart for the engine transmission, I used the base of a 4 wheel engine stand for a long time.
You'll need to install the rear axle first with wheels...
You'll need an engine hoist with some good quality ratchet straps.

[anlauto]

In front of the K frame bolt holes you'll find two holes in the frame rails. I simply hook (rubber coated) my nylon straps in those holes hooked to my engine hoist. Lift it up nice and high, and roll the assembly underneath and lower away.

Once lowered, line up the holes and bolt in the K Frame. jack the tranny in place and bolt the crossmember in.

You should have the engine/tranny combo complete as possible, all hoses, wiring etc...you should have the engine compartment complete as well with brake lines, wiper motor etc...

My last picture shows there is not much left to do leaning over the fenders...install the rad, hook up some hoses and wiring and you're done.

The installation process takes me about 20 mins.

[CudamanTom]

I have installed my 440 with the tranny AND headers attached and dropped it in. It is a tight fit but can be done.

That's my brother helping me.


That's me in the second photo 

I have never had the guts to drop a motor anchoring to the intake carb mounts. I've always attached to the heads front and back.

Alan, just curious. What size is your engine lift lifting the chally?

[anlauto]

Looks to be the same as yours 2 ton.
Keep in mind a complete Challenger only weighs about 3400lbs and I'm no where near lifting the entire weight of the car....
Even with the lift extented to a 1/2ton as in your picture, that's still 1000lbs

[750-h2]

Thanks Guys!  anlauto I like it! Looks a lot simpler than I imagined and I have all the equipment I need to do this. Thanks a bunch!!

[CudamanTom]

Looks to be the same as yours 2 ton.
Keep in mind a complete Challenger only weighs about 3400lbs and I'm no where near lifting the entire weight of the car....
Even with the lift extented to a 1/2ton as in your picture, that's still 1000lbs

Okay thanks. Was just wondering.
I'll be installing mine soon in my vert and thought about doing it the way you explained. Which is why I asked about the size hoist.
With the k-frame and engine/tranny out of the car, I'm sure the front end maybe weighs around 500lbs or so.
Thanks,
Tom

[HP_Cuda]

Alan! Is that a four speed shifter attached while dropping the car down on the kmember shebang?

Btw, sometimes you may find you have to lift the rear up a bit to get the engine to clear the lower frame.

[anlauto]

Yep, shifter is in place, no rods on though.....Make sure you slot the carpet first (don't ask how I know).

Never had to adjust the rear end height during the process... I've done it about 24 times now, as well as removing engine the same way. Everything from 318's to Hemis, to 440's with headers....Works great !

[Chryco Psycho]

I do it from the bottom , far faster & the engine trans & suspension goes in virtually complete except for the rad & fan shroud & maybe the fan !
 I have lifted the front of the car with my legs , place 2 stands under the front spring eye & use the diff weight to counterbalance the nose & it is only approx. 150 lb lift , roll the k with the engine & trans under , lower the nose & start the K frame bolts , easy !!!

[Mpdlawdog]

Getting ready to do this myself....what is the best "thing" to put the k frame and motor on to drop the body over it???  my motor is on a stand and the k frame is totally apart for paint and rebuild

[anlauto]

For years I used the base of this type engine stand (see photo).
Sometimes it was a little too wide to get my engine hoist around so I made a similar looking four wheel frame, just a little narrower