Hi Everyone,

I pulled the engine and trans out of my '73 Z28 to fix a leaky rear main. THe service manual suggests removing the engine powertrain as a unit and in the procedure list there's a vague line that reads "Remove shift linkage from transmission." That's where the trouble started...

I removed the shift lever and then got under the car to unbolt the linkage. It looked to me like the only way to remove the linkage was to unbolt the shifter base, which would then free all those intimidating shims, etc. So I left the shifter in place, removed the under-tranny crossmember and yanked the whole shebang that way. It was a little tricky b/c nub of the shifter was just tall enough to make the task a real chore.

okay so now that everything is out, it looks to me like for installation, I should leave the tranny off the bell housing. Then I can fairly easily drop the engine/bellhousing in place and then bolt up the tranny and tranny crossmember.

But whenever I come up with an easy plan, there's a catch I haven't considered. So what is everyone else's favorite strategy for installing the powertrain? Am I on the right track?

Would greatly appreciate the input.
THanks,
Larry

I'm going to assume that you're talking about a manual (four speed?) transmission. The least difficult way to install the engine and transmission is as a complete unit (minus the shifter handle IF, as in your case, it is a bolt on handle).

I'm also going to assume that you're going to change the clutch and have the flywheel resurfaced while you have everything out in front of you.

In any matter, should you pull the trans off the bell AND disturb the clutch (by bumping it on the way out or change the clutch assembly) you're going to need a clutch disk alignment tool (which usually comes with a new clutch).

Yep sorry, it is a four-speed manual car. And for sure I'll have the flywheel looked at and replace the clutch as needed. I might do engine mounts as well.

I've removed the radiator, but it seems like you almost have to stand the engine on the tranny to slip it into the tunnel. But perhaps going in will be easier. I do have a load adjuster on the engine hoist, btw.

Thanks